Why you should be listening to more music

We are paging Dr. Paul, who tells us about the health benefits of playing or listening to music.

Has a song ever changed your mood for the better? If that’s the case, according to the medical officer of health and CEO of the Eastern Ontario Health Unit, you’re likely not alone.

Dr. Paul Roumeliotis, A.K.A. Dr. Paul, says there are many practical health benefits to listening to music and he’s encouraging people to turn their speakers up and hit play.

“There’s an actual profession now, music therapy, that is based on the science behind understanding the effects of music,” Dr. Paul told CTV Your Morning Ottawa on Wednesday. “Overall, it’s really meant to improve, help, promote well-being, physical, mental, cognitive and for all ages.”

Dr. Paul says one of the main benefits of listening to music is stress reduction.

“The first thing is when you listen to music, especially music you like, you calm down,” he said. “So, all your stress hormones are down and all your feelgood hormones — like your endorphins — the good hormones get up, and that really reduces stress.”

According to Dr. Paul, music also has different benefits for different demographics. For students, music has been linked to better learning outcomes. Dr. Paul says music has been shown to help those who suffer from insomnia to find sleep.

Music listening can also help reduce muscle tension, Dr. Paul says.

“People who have stress headaches, tension headaches and those types of things, it can actually relax them as well,” Dr. Paul says.

According to Health Canada, the benefits of music are multiple.

“Music has been shown to increase feelings of well-being and significantly increase mental health,” a statement from Health Canada on the Government of Canada’s website reads.

“Shared music experiences at concerts, festivals and at home can enhance social connections and mood. Playing a musical instrument is associated with improved cognitive health and well-being.”

Health Canada also says music has been shown to have positive quality of life outcomes for people with anxiety, dementia, depression, brain injuries, and more.

As Dr. Paul puts it, music has benefits for all ages. So, don’t be afraid to put on a playlist at any time of day.

“All the time, from a young age,” Dr. Paul recommends.

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