Most people enjoy music, and it is well-known that listening to music is good for your mental health and well-being. Most people experience a calming effect on their bodies when they listen to music. It does not particularly matter what genre of music you enjoy as long as it resonates with you and brings joy and beauty into your life.
One form of music enjoyed by many is jazz. This unique genre of music was developed in the United States and is enjoyed by countless people in distinctive types and styles, including traditional jazz, bebop, swing, and the immensely popular, cool jazz1. While you are enjoying your favorite jazz musicians, your health is also benefiting. Scientific studies have documented the many health benefits of jazz. According to research, “jazz also improves your verbal ability, focus, memory, and mood, as was noted in patients that had suffered from a stroke.”2
There are many health benefits of listening to music, including:
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Stress Relief
Scientific research has documented that listening to a relaxing music, calms your brain waves. This promotes a sense of relaxation and calm. Music therapy is also used to help induce sleep. One recommended jazz album that is “great for relaxation is ‘Kind of Blue’ by the Miles Davis Sextet.”3
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Lower Blood Pressure
Studies have reported the benefits on music on blood pressure in hypertensive individuals. Lower blood pressure has many positive health benefits, including lowering the risk of strokes and heart attacks.
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Immune System Boost
The American Psychological Association has published research stating, “listening to and playing music increase the body’s production of the antibody immunoglobulin A and natural killer cells — the cells that attack invading viruses and boost the immune system’s effectiveness.”4 Research demonstrates that music can also reduce levels of the stress hormone, cortisol.
There is no question that listening to music brings joy and beauty into your life and improves your health. Relax and enjoy your favorite musicians today!
Listen to the Beautify podcast with Rick Parma, a Jazz Singer, Saxophonist, DJ, and Emcee, as he discusses the healing benefits of Jazz:
1https://americanhistory.si.edu/smithsonian-jazz/education/what-jazz
2https://www.razzmajazz.com/2018/12/26/the-science-side-of-jazz-how-it-affects-the-human-brain/
3Jstutler, The Science Side of Jazz: How it Affects the Human Brain, The Razz Ma Jazz Dixie Jazz Band, Dec 26, 2018
4Amy Novotney, Music as Medicine, American Psychological Association, November 2013, Vol 44, No. 10
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