Music isn’t just entertainment — it’s a powerful tool for improving health, mood, connection, and overall well-being. In a recent episode of the Energize and Revitalize with Dr. Amy podcast, I sat down with Amelia Fulmer to explore how live performance, music exposure in childhood, and engaging with the arts support wellness at every age. If you missed it, you can listen here.
Here’s how music works — and how you can use it in your daily life to support better health.
What the Research Shows
- According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, music-based interventions have been shown to reduce self-reported chronic pain and associated depressive symptoms.
- A 2021 review involving over 5,576 participants found that music interventions may produce a large anxiety-reducing effect, a moderate pain-reducing effect, and improvements in quality of life.
- Research from Johns Hopkins Medicine suggests that playing instruments can positively affect movement, emotional processing, and even cognitive abilities in conditions like Parkinson’s.
- Music therapy also shows benefits for the immune system, cardiovascular health (lowering heart rate and blood pressure), and emotional resilience.
Why Music Works for Wellness
- Emotional regulation & mood enhancement — Music activates regions of the brain tied to reward and emotion, boosting dopamine and lowering cortisol.
- Physical health impacts — Listening or actively making music can reduce heart rate, slow breathing, and trigger the body’s “rest and digest” response.
- Social connection & community — Shared musical experiences reduce isolation, increase belonging, and foster emotional support — key factors in wellness and resilience.
- Child development & learning — Early music exposure enhances cognitive skills, memory, language, and emotional intelligence, which sets a foundation for lifelong health and well-being.
Practical Ways to Use Music for Better Health
- Create a “Mood Boost” playlist for your workouts, walks, or whenever you need an energy lift.
- Schedule a “wind-down” music session each evening: 10-15 minutes of calming music to promote relaxation and better sleep.
- Pick up an instrument or join a community choir or live event — active music-making amplifies the benefits compared to passive listening alone.
- Use music with your children: incorporate singing, playlists, or musical games to strengthen their development and your shared bonding time.
- Attend live music or performance events — the communal, sensory experience of live arts boosts mood and creates meaningful human connection.
Why This Matters for You
Whether you’re contending with stress, chronic pain, hormonal changes, or simply seeking greater vitality — music is a wellness tool you already have access to. By intentionally integrating music into your routine, you’re tapping into science-backed pathways of healing, growth, and resilience.
Take the Next Step
Ready to deepen your understanding of how the arts support wellness? Listen to the full episode with Amelia Fulmer and reflect on how you can bring more music, live experience, and creative connection into your life today.
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