GOOD VIBRATIONS

University of Melbourne’s DR AMANDA KRAUSE reveals why tunes are vital l

1 WHY IS MUSIC GOOD FOR US? S?

“Our research has shown that music is associated with many psychological benefits to well-being such as networking, feeling connected to a community, producing positive emotions, stress release, improving memory and concentration, promoting creativity and imagination, and improved satisfaction with quality of life,” says Dr Krause.

2 WHAT GENRES ARE BEST TO LISTEN TO?

“It all comes down to personal choice and having input into the music you are listening to. People can experience a more positive result of listening to music they have chosen themselves – this includes a positive mood change or a sense of motivation – as opposed to when someone else has chosen the music,” she says. “This is largely why you might find a mix of genres across playlists touted for a specific action such as yoga, because people’s ideas of what music ‘fits’ an activity can be different.”

3 WHEN SHOULD WE BE LISTENING?

“Listening to music while going about your day can alter the atmosphere. For instance, choosing the right playlist on your way to work can get you in the right mindset to start the day, can shift a stressful commute, alter your work space and can even help you stay motivated while working out at the gym.”