It’s no secret that some quality tunes can provide a much-needed mood boost, but that’s not all music can do!
Did you know? In addition to improving your mood, music can boost your cognitive abilities! Read on as our team at AFC Urgent Care Ooltewah explains how.
How Does Music Affect My Brain?
According to recent studies, music positively impacts brain function and human behavior by reducing stress, pain and symptoms of depression, as well as improving cognitive and motor skills.
And that’s not all music can do! Some recent, fascinating studies have shown that music has a huge impact on those who are in the later stages of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. When music is introduced into a patient’s headphones, it ushers in feelings of nostalgia, which elicits an obvious and relieving response.
More Ways Music Affects Health
- Can ease depression and anxiety
- Can help you eat less
- Can improve your memory
- Can help you sleep better
- Can help you feel more motivated when working out
Is a Certain Type of Music Best for My Brain?
Not necessarily. No matter the genre, music that elicits feelings of nostalgia and childhood memories is great for the brain.
If you aren’t an avid music listener, there are still lots of ways to improve your cognitive function! We’ve listed some suggestions below.
Other Ways to Improve Cognitive Function
- Adopt a growth mindset. Being open to new experiences and hobbies has been shown to improve brain health.
- Stay physically active. Many studies have shown that exercise improves cognitive function and memory by improving our ability to learn, handle stressors, improve decision-making ability and recall facts and memories.
- Eat brain-healthy foods. Foods rich in nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants and B vitamins have all been shown to support brain health.
- Keep your mental health intact. Stress, anxiety and depression, when prolonged, have all been shown to take a toll on cognitive functioning, so talk with your doctor about how to manage those symptoms.
Turn on some tunes today! It’ll do your brain some good. If you are feeling under the weather, however, don’t hesitate to visit our top-notch medical team at AFC Urgent Care Ooltewah today.
