Making music, better than vitamin C for your immune system?

Making music, better than vitamin C for your immune system?

We all know that vitamin C is good for your resistance.

But did you know that making music can be even more powerful for your immune system and your brain?

Making music is not just a fun hobby – it is a complete workout for your brain and a boost for your health.

When you play an instrument or sing, your brain has to perform multiple tasks at the same time. You read notes, move your hands or mouth, listen to sounds and constantly adapt.

This ensures an intense collaboration between different brain areas, such as memory, motor skills, auditory processing and the emotion centers.

This makes making music one of the most complex and challenging forms of cognitive training there is.

But it goes beyond just brain activity.

Research shows that actively making music reduces stress levels, because the stress hormone cortisol is reduced.

And less stress means a stronger immune system.

In addition, making music stimulates the production of endorphins and oxytocin – substances that provide a feeling of happiness and connectedness.

These positive emotions also contribute to better physical health.

In one study, scientists found that people who regularly played music had increased levels of immunoglobulin A – an important antibody that fights viruses and bacteria.

This effect was stronger than in participants who only listened to music, or who took supplements such as vitamin C.

Making music not only challenges your brain, but also literally strengthens your immune system.

You train your concentration, memory, creativity and you take better care of your body.

When you bang a drum, every note you play makes you healthier.

So the next time you think about boosting your immune system, don’t just reach for an orange.

Grab your drum – and play yourself healthy.

Oorspronkelijk gepubliceerd op LinkedIn.