Isn’t it interesting how hearing a particular song can bring back a special memory or make you feel happy or calm or pumped up?

People are born with the ability to tell the difference between music and noise. Our brains actually have different pathways for processing different parts of music including pitch, melody, rhythm, and tempo. And, fast music can actually increase your heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure, while slower music tends to have the opposite effect.

While the effects of music on people are not fully understood, studies have shown that when you hear music to your liking, the brain actually releases a chemical called dopamine that has positive effects on mood. Music can make us feel strong emotions, such as joy, sadness, or fear—some will agree that it has the power to move us. According to some researchers, music may even have the power to improve our health and well-being.

Though more studies are needed to confirm the potential health benefits of music, some studies suggest that listening to music can have the following positive effects on health:

• Improves mood;
• Reduces stress;
• Lessens anxiety;
• Improves exercise;
• Improves memory;
• Eases pain;
• Provides comfort;
• Improves cognition;
• Helps children with autism spectrum disorder;
• Soothes premature babies.

Source: Get Healthy Stay Healthy