Music: Key for General Life Improvement

A number of studies across the world have come to the conclusion that music - yes, music - may increase your health in a variety of different ways. Let's break six examples down for you, and see whether you can implement them to your daily doings, improving your life along the way.

Classical Music Helps You Focus

A relatively well-known one, this - but now with added scientific proof. Brain scans conducted by Stanford University researchers show that classical music helps you to sort information and also enables your mind to focus more effectively. 'Cognitive stumble' - when your mind expects to hear something, by an unanticipated chord or harmony is heard instead - helps to sharpen brain regions responsible for attention and anticipation, according to study authors.

Singing: Good For You

According to a study from Norway, studies found that hospital employees who took part in a choir program reported both greater engagement at work and improved health. But why? Well, social bonds formed during activity outside of the workplace - like singing - have a positive effect on your perceived wellbeing and general health, according to study author Jonas Vaag, clinical psychologist of Nord-Trøndelag Health Trust. The act of singing also releases endorphins through your body, which boost feelings of happiness and pleasure.

Fast Songs Boost Your Speed

Brunel University have conducted two recent studies that confirmed music helped both cyclists in their performance and basketball players pre-game. But how? Well, music appears to kickstart your central nervous system for activity, at the same time distracting you from discomfort or difficulty. When you're listening to music, the song takes over your mind and doesn't allow you to feel as much pain. Fast-paced, energetic music is best for physical activity, and music that builds to a climax is best for preparation for game time. So all those films are absolutely spot on!

Rap Makes You More Creative

A National Institutes of Health Study recently found that spontaneous lyrical improv engages your brain's prefrontal cortex region, which is responsible for creative thought. With that part of your brain working on all cylinders, you're more likely to experience new bursts of creativity. Letting yourself "spitball" - much like Eminem in 8 Mile - and not pausing to make judgements on what you're saying or where the inspiration is coming from - can fuel your creative mind. Rap battle, anyone?

Your Favourite Song Really Does Make It All Better

When you listen to those songs that really move you, a hit of dopamine floods through your body. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter in your brain that heightens the pleasure you get form sensual experiences like eating food or having sex. McGill University's study authors explain that the key to the dopamine release is that the music must give you 'the chills'. So be it Bloc Party's "So Here We Are" or the theme to James Bond, spin that tune to heighten the mood in the bedroom..or to make that cheeseburger taste that little bit sweeter.

Certain Chords Can Heal You

Believe it or not, this one is true. The University of Kentucky have discovered that dentists are onto something: patients who listened to mellow music before, during and after surgery reported dramatically reduced pain and anxiety and also required less medication. Similar to the above sport-related report, music masks pain and irritation, while also engaging the listener emotionally. Bring Chicane to the A&E next time you need stitches - or listen to Rhye when you need a filling!