There's probably not a person on the planet that doesn't like at least some kind of music, even if it's the same three songs on repeat. And we should love music! In fact, music is something we truly take for granted and it's painfully under-appreciated. So here's 11 reasons to remind you how awesome music is!
1. It can help you fall asleep.
Lullabies aren't just for babies; they're for everyone! From toddlers to the elderly, listening to slow, soothing music (around 60-80 bpm) before bed is not just normal, but encouraged! It helps you relax and can not only boost quality of sleep, but can also boost quantity as well, and can be a very effective technique for people suffering from sleep disorders. But don't expect these effects to happen overnight; it can take as long as three weeks for you to see the effects of sleeping with music. Fun fact: Ed Sheeran's music is some of the most commonly used music to fall asleep to.
2. It can also help you stay awake!
Long drive ahead? Plug in your iPod, hit shuffle, and hit the road! I don't know about you, but I can't drive anywhere without blaring my tunes. Singing along keeps me awake and entertained for hours, whether I'm driving or cleaning or studying.
3. It can help you focus while you study.
Now, it's fairly common knowledge that music can help you focus and help you remember what you're studying, but the key to this is listening to the right kind of music! Most people will turn on whatever they typically listen to. Today, most students listen to pop or rock, but lyrics are distracting! The best kinds of music to help you focus are instrumentals, such as classical music. If that will put you to sleep, try EDM and Dubstep (my personal favorites).
4. Music helps you learn and promotes intelligence.
Learning to play an instrument helps improve cognitive functions and memory. In addition to that, it's shown to improve verbal skills, literacy, and makes you better adept at processing speech while there's a lot of background noise. Basically, learning to play an instrument is good for your brain (as well as your soul, as it provides an outlet for frustration) and can be incredibly beneficial in the long run.
5. Without music, there would be no dancing!
This probably isn't entirely true, but dancing wouldn't be the same without music, and the kinds of dancing we know today wouldn't exist. As a swing dancer, the thought of no swing music is almost more than I can bear.
6. You can make music with just about anything.
Bang some pots together, stamp your feet, clap your hands, whistle, tap pencils on your desk, or just open your mouth! You can make a beat with nearly any object at your disposal. Seriously, there's a song built entirely from the beat of cup on a table -- not to mention all the street artists who play for tips on a drum set made of buckets! Those guys have some serious skill, too.
7. It's a huge part of most cultures.
Nearly every culture on the planet uses music for one thing or another, be it entertainment, education, ceremony, or all three! For most people in our society, music is a daily part of life, but just think about the times when it stops being normal and is suddenly a big deal. Every now and again, we spend too much money to go see our favorite musicians live and squeal about it for days, sometimes weeks afterwards. Another example would be Native American shamans: Shamans are believed to be able to cure physical and mental illnesses using specific instruments and artifacts. Drums, rattles, and more often play a key role in a shaman's work!
8. It brings people together from all walks of life.
Common music interests can be a powerful thing. Having the same taste in music can bring two very unlikely people together. It's not uncommon for two totally different people to enjoy the same genres of music; it can end up being the foundation for a great friendship.
9. It strengthens relationships.
As I stated in my last point, music brings people together! But sometimes it's not the foundation of a relationship, but the duct tape needed to hold one together. Bonding over music can improve familial or romantic relationships by giving you a common interest with someone you don't quite click with. My dad and I have always been close, but one of the things that helped us be even closer was playing the "Name That Song" game'! It's something I only do with him, and it gives us an idea of what the other likes, as well as introduces us to new music. So next time you get to play music, try giving your phone or iPod to someone else and telling them to pick to give you an insight to what they like.
10. For some, music isn't a hobby, it's a lifestyle.
Music might start out as a hobby for most people, but for some -- whether they are naturally gifted or have worked at it every day because they love it -- it can become so much more than that. There are some who turn their passion for music into a career and get to spend every day doing the thing they love most! Even for those who don't make a living off music, it can still have a deep impact on their soul and is something they need in order to be content with life.
11. Music is one of the most powerful forms of expression.
With the power of music, you can stand up for what you believe in, you can express yourself in ways that words just don't allow you to, and you can illicit hundreds of different emotions from people with the music you play (on an instrument or over speakers). Music is not only powerful, but is one of the safest, healthiest outlets for intense emotion and can often be used as an aid for those suffering from mental illnesses. Don't worry if you can't say it, just play it! Sometimes music is more efficient at expressing what you're thinking than you are.
