Classical music was once one of the most popular genres of music, dating back centuries to world-famous composers and eras. Unfortunately, today, classical music isn’t quite as popular as other modern genres – those such as pop and rock garner more traction. With only a small fraction of the world listening to classical music, not many are aware of the benefits of this timeless genre. Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of listening to classical music.
The popularity of classical music
The popularity of classical music has significantly declined over the past few decades since not many young people are exposed to it now. Only older generations who appreciate stylistic details and artists who play instruments or perform in orchestras tend to listen to it. Much of the younger generation perhaps have no clue of the many benefits of listening to classical music.
What are the benefits of listening to classical music?
1. It can help reduce stress
Classical music features a range of musical patterns, including a calming tone, a few changes in rhythm, even volume and no lyrics, which soothe listeners. These patterns stimulate a calming effect that slows down your heart rate, allowing you to relax. If you have trouble with anxiety or get stressed easily, you may want to listen to classical music to ease your stress. Listening to classical music regulates your heart rhythm to ensure relaxation.
2. You can sleep better after listening to classical music
Listening to classical music has been shown to significantly improve sleep. In a research study, participants who listened to 45 minutes of classical music before sleep reported better sleep from the first night. So, if you have trouble falling asleep or tend to wake up often during the night, consider cranking up some classical music. The calming effect of this genre can help you sleep better and get enough rest.
While cultivating peace and quiet is key to building a good sleep routine, your pre-bed routine can still involve a bit of music if it helps you sleep. Here is where classical music can come in handy for promoting sleep as it’s soothing and helps you relax and get ready for falling asleep. Before bedtime, take thirty minutes to listen to calming music, read, or do relaxation exercises. Combining a few calming activities with relaxing music can help to promote better quality sleep.
3. It helps improve focus and productivity
Classical music also helps areas of the brain responsible for focus and memory to become more active. When you stop or pause the music, your brain is wired for an increase in concentration, improving your productivity. If you’re a student, using classical music for studying is a great way to increase your focus or concentration. You’re more likely to grasp concepts better and remember vital information when listening to classical music. While other genres of music, such as hip hop, may be distracting during study, classical music increases your focus and cognitive function.
If you’re struggling to meet your deadlines at work, some classical music might help improve your productivity. Classical music is one of the top music choices for concentration, helping you focus on completing the task at hand. Depending on your music tastes, there are also other types of music that are also popular to use for concentration including EDM and jazz music. The high-energy rhythms of EDM can motivate and liven you up while melodic jazz music can help create a soothing atmosphere for work or for long study sessions.
4. Listening to classical music can boost your mood
It’s a no-brainer that listening to your favourite genre of music makes you happy. However, when it comes to classical music, there’s actual research to back this claim. Studies suggest that classical music may increase the dopamine release inside your brain, which increases your happiness and overall content. The next time you’re feeling sad and low, you can try listening to some classical music to lighten up your mood. People with low or moderate depression can also listen to classical music to keep their symptoms under control. Thanks to its uplifting and relaxing qualities, classical music is sure to positively impact people facing depression, anxiety and stress.
