Music to Your Health

Music can actually aid both brain and cardiovascular function. One study noted higher cognitive performance among individuals who listened to music while working out. Another determined that heart rate and blood pressure can actually mimic the ups and downs of compositions. And University of Maryland researchers found that participants who listened to music of their choice for 30 minutes displayed a 26% increase in blood flow. So crank it up…

Gather the family for a bedtime ballad — research suggests that children who grow up in a home infused with melody develop more neural pathways that enhance math ability, literacy skills, and coordination. Plus you’ll all sleep better, according to a Taiwan study that found peaceful music acts like a sedative for restlessness.

Turn on upbeat tunes when you hit the gym. One study found that women lost more weight when they set their workouts to a soundtrack. The music not only distracts, it seems to nudge effort.

Feeling blue? Attend a concert, strum a guitar, or just pop in your favorite CD. Artistic experience — playing an instrument, singing, or simply enjoying — can reduce symptoms of depression and boost your sense of being healthier, according to a Norwegian study.