For centuries, songs and music have been used to tell stories, share culture and history, and create emotional connection. But often overlooked, is the positive impact music can have on our health and overall quality of life.
Here is a list of ways music has been proven to affect us:
Salud del corazón
Cuando se reproduce música, la sangre fluye con mayor facilidad. Music reduces heart rate and lowers blood pressure. It also triggers the release of endorphins in the blood, which lowers stress levels.
Función cerebral
While there is no cure for Alzheimer's disease or dementia, music therapy helps relieve some of its symptoms. Music can relax an agitated patient and improve their mood. Advanced Alzheimer's patients often lose their ability to talk with others. Many stop speaking completely. La musicoterapia ayuda a que continúen hablando.
Ejercicios
Listening to music while you work out can boost your physical performance. It can also increase endurance to help you exercise for a longer amount of time.
Anxiety/Depression
Studies show music has a positive effect on mental health. When you listen to music you like, your brain releases dopamine, a "feel-good" neurotransmitter. It helps relieve depression, anxiety and agitation while improving brain function. It's even been found to be more effective than prescription drugs in reducing anxiety before surgery.
Estrés
Escuchar música combate los efectos nocivos del estrés crónico. By lowering the , it helps promote wellbeing. Research shows music helps boost the body's immune system by increasing the "antibodies" that grow natural immunity and higher levels of bacteria-fighting cells.
Música y aprendizaje
Music, taught in and out of schools, can help students excel in many ways. It can improve:
- Language development
- Test scores
- Brain connectivity
- Spatial intelligence
Studies show music training develops an area in the left side of the brain involved with processing language. It can actually wire the brain's circuits in specific ways that improve learning.
Whether you sing, play an instrument or turn up your favorite tunes on the device of your choice, science says you'll be healthier, happier, less stressed and perhaps a little smarter. Put that all together and it's easy to say that music improves life.
Fuentes: , National Institutes of Health, National Center for Biotechnology Information, 2021; , NIH, National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, 2022; Psychology Today, 2022; , Johns Hopkins University, 2022; , Cleveland Clinic, 2025