Music Is Good For You (With A Few Precautions)

Music has long been a staple of human society, extending far into the reaches of who we are as people. After all, if you ask someone to introduce themselves, a quick description of their music preferences will usually be part of their initial introduction; we absorb music into the fabric of our lives, let it speak for us and influence our emotions – and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

The good news is that music is every bit as good for us as most of us think. Music has been shown to be beneficial for those suffering from mental health issues such as depression, and is even used as a form of therapy. Given the fact that music is interwoven into the fabric of society and we all undeniably love it – surely, there’s nothing much to be concerned about here?

Unfortunately, music – like all things in life – does have its downsides. Thankfully, you can offset these problems with a few changes to how and when you listen to music – below, we have put together a list of three adaptations you can make to ensure that your experience is listening to music is always as positive as it can possibly be.

DO choose “happy” music carefully

Music is well known for its ability to generate emotions. Most people assume a song is “happy” or “sad” depending on the speed of the song along, but this can cause problems. There are many upbeat songs that are actually in a sad key, so while they may sound incredibly fun and uplifting due to their tempo, they’ll actually have the opposite effect when you listen to them. There’s a great guide to the emotions specific keys are able to create here, which is well worth keeping in mind the next time you’re on the lookout for cheerful music.

DON’T listen to music when you’re a pedestrian

If you’re walking outdoors, then it’s tempted to put your earphones in and forget the noise and bustle around you. While this can be pleasant, it’s actually less than advisable, both due to the potential for distraction and the fact that you will no longer be able to hear traffic on a nearby road. As the statistics compiled by Abels & Annes, PC demonstrate, pedestrian accidents are all-too-frequent an occurrence, so it’s important to make sure that you’re as aware as possible of what’s happening around you when you’re out and about.

DO turn the volume down

Finally, it’s important to note that listening to music is wonderful, but listening to loud music is detrimental. Loud music is one of the most common contributors to hearing loss, so it’s best to keep the volume moderate rather than turning it to max.

Furthermore, while the following advice may sound counterproductive, it is worth keeping in mind: if you attend a concert, wear specially-designed ear plugs. These ear plugs ensure you can hear the music without any muffling or distortion, and they protect your hearing too.

In conclusion

With the above three points in mind, you can be sure that you are only experiencing the positive influence that music can have on your life. Enjoy!

Image courtesy of Pixabay.