Would it be trite for me to say meaningless?

Jokes aside, I listen to music virtually every day. It is beneficial in many ways. If I need a moment, I put on my earphones and listen to music. If I want to write, I like to have something playing in the background. 90s boybands are there to pick me up when I am feeling down. Music is important to a lot of people for good reason.

There are many health benefits from music:

• Reducing stress levels: soothing music can lower levels of cortisol (a stress hormone) which aids in reducing anxiety and stress.
• Pain management: music can offer a distraction from pain.
• Mood boosting: it can improve the mood and enhance emotional well-being
• Improved sleep: many people rely on calming sounds to help them fall asleep. Music helps to relax the body and mind.
• Better physical health: music is a great motivator during exercise and physical activities
• Social connection: Singing or playing with others in a band creates communities and a sense of belonging

According to Johns Hopkins, music is in a league of its own when it comes to stimulating the brain. Music provides a workout for the brain, keeping it engaged as we age. I tend to listen to the same songs repeatedly (#nostalgia) but it is suggested that we try new music. This encourages the brain to learn new sounds, adding to the stimulation process.

There is a lot of information on the links between music and health. Researchers are still looking into it and stress that music is not an replacement for traditional medicine and health therapies.

Here are some interesting articles on music and health:

• Keep your brain young with music
• Music and Health: What You Need To Know
• Can music improve our health and quality of life?