The great beats, rhythms, and fast tempos of pop tunes and musical theatre can rev up both our body and mind. Conversely, there are the peaceful rhythms that can settle our senses and calm our nerves. I personally listen to classical music – in the car with my husband, at Hollywood Bowl Concerts in the summer months, and at Disney Concert Hall in the autumn. Research again shows us that music can lower our heart rate and blood pressure.
Though this seems intuitive, I do not make these claims based on personal experience alone – music has received an unparalleled amount of research focus in the brain sciences over the past 20 years. The question of “how” music moves us to feel differently, and how it affects our learning abilities is very intriguing to neuroscientists.
Science shows that the human brain has specific pathways dedicated to music. Listening to music on a regular basis helps our neurons stay functional and active, keeping our synapses connected. While performing cognitive tasks, such as exercise or duties at work, where we must stay coordinated and think clearly, listening to music actually produces “brain coherence.” This means that the left and right hemispheres are working in harmony. This synchronized state is the best possible for learning. It is also through brain coherence that music serves to shift your emotions. I don’t mean a temporary mood change while we listen, but shifting the way we feel on a neural level, benefiting us far past the listening period.
Music is powerful. Create your own soundtrack and breathe.
As always, Lori Michiel Fitness is here with music-imbued assistance. Call (818) 620-1442 or contact us through this form to work with a Lori Michiel Fitness trainer in your home or at Lori’s West Hills Fitness Studio, and begin a regular exercise practice today.
Sources:
The Human Knowledge System: Music and Brain Coherence, by Alex Bennet, Ph.D., and David Bennet, Ph.D.
Rhythm Music and the Brain: Scientific Foundations and Clinical Applications, By Michael Thaut