Getting Older

I’m getting older, and that’s a good thing, considering the alternative.

Reading articles about the aging brain makes me wonder what my future brain health holds. I mean, I am in the mind-body business, and I want to keep both strong and active. And helping my clients do the same is important to me.

Going Back in Time

Have you noticed how a certain scent (perfume or just-baked cookies) can bring us back in time?

So can music. Hearing a song that played for our first dance, our first kiss, or that special occasion activates emotions. As we recall where we were and who we were with when we heard it play, we are transported back in time. Music can also inspire us to move forward, be strong and brave, or feel connected.

[Listening to music improves] cognitive and motor skills, spatial-temporal learning and neurogenesis, which is the brain’s ability to produce neurons.

Kiminobu Sugaya & Ayako Yonetani , University of Central Florida

The University of Central Florida site also has a cool model that describes different parts of the brain, what the parts do, and how music memory is stored and used.

Classical Music

Do you remember learning that listening to classical music is good for the brain?

While I enjoy classical music, it isn’t my favorite style. But I listened to it while pregnant because it was supposed to be healthy for both me and my unborn son. Then, when my son was in kindergarten, we’d sit and watch the TV show Little Einsteins. We’d listen and sing along with lyrics throughout the show. Heck, many years later, I can still sing the theme song!

But the style of music you listen to is not as important as just listening to music.

For me, certain New Age artists create music that seems to take me to a different place. When I listen, I can feel my breathing calm, my heart rate slow, and I become so relaxed. And sometimes emotional. On the other hand, some of Kelly Clarkson’s and Sia’s music is perfect to get me exercising. What artists evoke a response in you?

Country, opera, reggae, pop, rock, jazz, classical—Is there a style that makes you feel happy? Or relaxed? Which gets you going?

Brain Health Benefits of Music

Whatever style you pick, that is the music that will provide brain health benefits for you. Some of the benefits you get from listening to music include:

  • Better Communication
  • Boost Immune System
  • Repair Brain Damage
  • Make You Smarter
  • Evoke Memories
  • Help Parkinson’s Patients

Familiar songs and artist voices can bring us comfort as our brains recognize the song.

However, if you need a creativity boost, listen to something new or different. Your brain will work harder to figure out what’s what. And as it’s creating a new memory, it opens pathways to other creative thinking options.

So pick up your guitar, put in a CD, play a vintage vinyl album, download new tunes, or just sing—you’ve got music options!

Whatever your jam is, make sure you get your daily servings of music. Your brain will thank you!

Cheers!

Marilyn

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