The Perfect Playlist: Why Music is Helpful for Anxiety and Improving Performance at the Gym
Music has always had a way of speaking directly to the soul. For centuries, music has been an escape for those looking to quiet their minds, find inspiration, or evoke emotions. It’s only natural that music would be linked to helping relieve anxiety and improve gym performance. Listening to the right music can make a world of difference to how you feel, not just emotionally, but physically too. In this blog, we’ll be exploring how music can be your best friend when it comes to battling anxiety and thriving in the gym.
The Power of Music for Anxiety Relief
Listening to music is a well-established way of handling anxiety. It has been found to lower cortisol levels, a hormone associated with stress, and ultimately help regulate breathing, pulse, and blood pressure levels. When you’re anxious, finding the right music can not only distract you from unpleasant thoughts but also take you to a calmer and more relaxed mental state. Your brain perceives music as a non-threatening stimulus, which means that it can be used to override your fight or flight response and help reduce anxiety levels. Research shows that music specifically created for relaxation is more effective than generic music when it comes to relieving anxiety, so choose music that suits your mood and preferences.
Music as an Ergogenic Aid
If you’re looking to boost your gym performance, music can also be your go-to helper. Music is an ergogenic aid, meaning it improves exercise performance, and it has been found to increase heart rate, power output, and sprint performance while reducing perceived exertion, fatigue, and tension. Music's ability to improve mood and decrease stress and anxiety levels also helps promote positive attitudes towards exercise, potentially leading to longer and more effective workouts. But not all music is equally effective. Research suggests that music with a high tempo and strong, rhythmic beat is best for enhancing exercise performance, so don't shy away from the electronic and dance music genres when creating your perfect workout playlist.
Playing the Right Tune for Your Type of Exercise
Different types of exercise and intensity levels require different types and tempos of music. For instance, fast-tempo songs may work for cardio routines but may not complement the focus and technique needed for heavy weight lifting. When choosing music for exercise, it’s important to consider the activity's nature, the mood you want to create, and what motivates you. Research indicates that individuals who self-selected their workout music saw stronger exercise motivation and enjoyment, leading to better consistency and more extended terms of exercising. Besides, syncing the song's beat to your steps or movements can also help maintain a steady pace, reducing energy waste, and enhancing performance.
Mindfulness and Meditation with Music
Aside from its physical advantages, music can also play an essential role in mindfulness and meditation. Music has been used in religious and spiritual contexts as a way of shifting awareness and entering a mindful state. Guided meditation and relaxation music have also been found to benefit emotional stability, reducing depressive symptoms and enhancing self-esteem. Studies show that music can be an effective way to reach meditative states, and research suggests that slow, calming music can induce relaxation and decrease depressive symptoms.
Music is a powerful tool that can help battle anxiety, induce relaxation, enhance performance, and maximize mindfulness and meditation. Creating your perfect playlist for anxiety relief or gym motivation takes time, but it's worth the effort. Choose music that makes you happy, motivates you, and resonates with you, and enjoy the many benefits that music can offer. So put on your headphones and go conquer the gym, or find comfort in the melodies that transport you to a more tranquil place. Trust us; music is the perfect partner for whatever life throws your way.
