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Music. Before we are even born we are exposed to sounds. It is proven that when a baby is in the womb, sounds will help the brain develop normal and healthy connections. I am not saying to put huge headphones around your belly and blast trap music or heavy metal. In this stage, it is critical to just use soothing music and have parents/family members speak to the womb.

Let me not go into a parental lesson because I am not at that stage in my life, but I will say that if you have a child in his or her youth years, there are studies that show many benefits of music education, such as development of the left brain.

What are the Benefits of Music?

  • Relieves stress
  • Helps depression/anxiety
  • Improves our effort during exercises
  • Decreases pain
  • Improves sleep quality
  • Enhances blood vessel function (heartbeat, pulse rate and blood pressure)
  • Elevates overall mood
  • Aids in maintaining a healthy brain

Now it is important to keep in mind that the music you listen to influences your behavior. “Why is this important? I want to be just like my favorite artist: carefree, witty, and rich!” Well if you consciously think of the lyrics that you are listening to, you may find that most of your songs fall in a specific category or categories such as loving your life, making money, selling drugs, struggling with love, etc. Nothing wrong with what you are listening to, but try to channel the lyrics you listen with who you want to be, not how your artist is portrayed by the media.

For example, if you just came out of a relationship, do not fall in the habit of only listening to depressive love songs. These songs will keep you in the mindset of being rejected, and restrain you from moving forward; instead, listen to uplifting/motivational music, even though you may be hurting, it will help you to heal quicker and feel better about yourself. Trust me, you owe yourself the benefits of developing into someone great and feeling accepted.

I also recommend that you express your inner artist. Take some time out of your day to sing your favorite songs at the top of your tongue! Sing in the shower, sing in the car just get out there and let your vocals vibrate and be free. This is especially great for shy people because it will give your voice an outlet, which will keep you from one day becoming comfortable with avoiding human interaction. Expressing your inner artist does not limit itself to just vocals there are a bunch of instruments you can choose from and master!

My friend Callum Thomas (link to cover of As we are Now by Saint Raymond) is an avid guitar player and singer who does numerous song covers. Just by first glance you can see the state of peace and happiness he enters when he gets in his musical zone. So whether you are an aspiring artist or an awesome shower singer, take advantage of all the benefits that music provides for us.

“One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain.” – Bob Marley