Many take up the practice of yoga out of a desire to improve not just physical fitness, but mental as well. It turns out, the mental benefits of yoga can be not just achieved, but exceeded, by attending live musical performances. Study participants who were wired up with heart rate monitors were shown to have lower levels of measurable physical stress after just twenty minutes of attendance at a concert than other participants who either walked a dog or participated in a session of yoga. In fact, the study found those who went to the concert recorded about a twenty percent increase in their mood, more than double those who did yoga for the same period of time. The dog walkers were even further behind.
The study’s authors report their research reveals a key link between overall well being and happiness, and music. Based on their results, they recommend people engage in musical concert attendance at least twice a month, so as to maintain the health benefits. The results are interesting because, beyond the general enjoyment, boosting well being and overall mood is also linked to longer life span. Other medical studies have found these links. Some studies reveal that having a better overall mood can add nine years or more to your life, all simply because you feel better on a day to day basis.
Don’t have time for yoga, or the flexibility? Perk up and get loose by enjoying a concert. #HealthStatus
Key Points:
- 1One concert every two weeks could add 10 years to lifespan.
- 22/3rds of people say live music makes them happier than hearing recorded music.
- 3Almost 1/10 people describe live music as a spiritual experience.
