When you limit yourself to only one genre, you’re really missing out. Not because there’s so much good music to enjoy, but also because all these different types of music serve a different purpose when it comes to your wellbeing.

Let’s break it down.

Started from the bottom

Jazz: relaxes you from the brain down.

Downtempo music can cause the brain to synch up with the beat and create alpha brain waves. These kind of waves are present when we’re awake, but relaxed. If you really need to chill out we recommend listening to jazz in combination with nature sounds like waterfalls or thunder. At Jazz and Rain you find exactly that.

Rap: might help fight against depression.

Started from the bottom now we here: lots of hip-hop songs tell the story of someone overcoming obstacles. According to the University of Cambridge, these upwardly narratives can be helpful for people struggling with depression or other mental issues. These positive stories help people envision where they’d want to go and how to work to that goal. When the whole world seems to work against you, Notorious BIG’s ‘Juicy’ might help.

Classical music: may prevent crime.

The city of London started playing classical music in train stations. 18 months later, vandalism was down with 37%, robberies fell around 33% and assaults on staff were down 25%. There are different theories on why classical music works so well. It might be so calming that criminals think: oh well, never mind. Or it has something to do with the fact that the stops are being cared for and looked after. There’s more of a feeling of community and you’re less likely to misbehave when you feel someone’s watching. Especially when that person is Bach. Classical music usually not your cup of tea? Give Prokofiev’s ‘Peter and the Wolf’ a try.

Sense of identity

Metal: good for your sense of self.

Though you might associate metal with aggression in actuality it has not much to do with it. People who identified as heavy metal fans in their youth have a strong sense of identity, a knack for community and are less likely to live with regrets. Systems of a Downs classic ‘Chop Suey’ made it to mainstream radio in the early 2000s and still knows how to trigger us (in a good way).

Pop: gives you extra endurance during a work-out

Next time you feel like you run yourself a heart attack on the treadmill, put on some pop. It will help you through your work-out. Rock and pop music will not only boost your endurance but also enhance physical performance. The hits may distract you while working out so that hour on the treadmill feels like five minutes. Well, ok, probably not, but you know what we mean. Believe us: Britneys ‘Work bitch’ will get you going.So don’t get stuck in your genre and try some new music every now and then. It might give you some newfound energy. By the way, if you’re not feeling it, turning up the volume can help. Your brain loves that!

Source: Upworthy