Researchers have disproved popular beliefs that metal music makes people violent; instead they have found it can actually reduce feelings of stress and depression while simultaneously increasing logical thinking skills and scientific reasoning abilities.
Research has also shown that metalheads tend to be more open to new experiences than non-headbangers, which could explain why they derive benefits from engaging with extreme music.
1. It boosts your productivity
Music has long been used to regulate emotions, foster positive behaviors and build communities. Research shows it’s also an effective way to boost productivity – though many would argue otherwise! While metal music may seem aggressive or provocative at first glance, this research proves quite the contrary.
Studies have demonstrated that listening to heavy metal music can improve focus and concentration. This effect occurs due to dissonance – musical notes which don’t sound harmonious together – used within this genre. Dissonance creates tension which prompts a response in us; thus creating urgency that keeps us attentive during study time.
Metal music’s loud sound can also boost your adrenaline, leaving you feeling empowered and confident while at work, which can increase productivity. Listening to loud metal can even give a sense of empowerment when facing challenging tasks or interviews – so next time you’re feeling overwhelmed, crank up some Pantera and let its soothing vibes ease away your stress!
Music can help reduce anxiety. One study measured participants’ heart rates and respirations rates while listening to classical, heavy metal, self-selected music or sitting in silence – results showed non-metal fans experienced greater levels of stress compared to metal fans who experienced much faster blood pressure reduction while listening to their favorite genre of music.
Remind yourself that personal preferences and personality play an integral part in choosing music that helps you focus, so don’t be intimidated to abandon Beach Boys tunes in favor of something with more distorted guitars; but be wary: before long you may find yourself joining your friend at their next gig!
2. It reduces stress
Metal music may seem associated with violence, but it can actually be an excellent way to relieve stress. Studies have revealed that people who listen to aggressive-themed songs tend to relax much quicker than those who don’t listen. Furthermore, metal can help enhance memory retention and cognitive capacity as well as boost blood circulation for increased brain alertness.
Metal also helps regulate negative emotions such as anger and depression, giving metal fans an outlet to express themselves when feeling down or distressed – something many fans turn to when having an off day.
Anthropology student Lindsay Bishop at UCL conducted a study demonstrating how metal music has become more diverse over time; younger fans creating spaces for mental health awareness and inclusion. Although traditionally perceived as male-oriented music genre, on average over one third of heavy metal fans are female with gigs often packed full with families as well as elderly or disabled people.
Recent research that examined the relationship between personality traits and genre preferences found that, while listening to more aggressive music doesn’t automatically make you violent, it does increase impulsivity which may lead to destructive actions. Metal music listening also had positive results on how you view yourself and other people; increasing open-minded attitudes toward different perspectives and beliefs as well as helping people think more logically and complexly when faced with obstacles or negative experiences.
3. It helps you focus
Metal music has been proven to help people focus, even while studying. Its fast rhythms and unapologetic lyrics help keep listeners awake and alert while blocking out distractions that might impede your studying efforts. Metal can also improve concentration by helping listeners think more clearly while decreasing levels of cortisol (stress hormone).
Contrary to popular perception, heavy metal music actually helps reduce negative emotions such as depression or low moods. Some researchers even believe that heavy metal can prevent depression by increasing motivation and improving one’s mood.
Studies indicate that listening to metal music in moderation may actually help with concentration while studying or working. The energetic, focused, and motivating qualities of metal music make it the ideal study soundtrack for long exams or assignments.
Students often find that listening to metal music helps clear away worries or frustrations from their minds, helping them stay more focused and efficient when studying. Its loud, fast beats can help regulate emotional states so that students are better able to concentrate on the task at hand and can provide a sense of accomplishment once they complete their study or work assignment.
Many metalheads have reported feeling part of a community when listening to their favorite bands. Attending concerts, talking with their friends about them or reading fan blogs all contribute to creating strong social bonds which may prove invaluable in strengthening mental wellbeing and overall mental wellbeing.
4. It improves your memory
Heavy metal music has long been associated with negative connotations ranging from Satanist rituals to suicide attempts, yet its positive influences can actually help improve mental health and wellbeing. By helping you deal with emotions while providing a sense of community.
Researchers have revealed that metalheads tend to be open to new experiences and prefer complex and intense music, have an antipathy towards authority figures and want uniqueness more than non-fans do. Furthermore, metalheads tend to have lower self-esteem compared to their non-fan counterparts and may experience depression and anxiety more easily than non-fans.
Metalheads can use songs’ angry lyrics to cope with their feelings. Furthermore, they feel part of a community of like-minded fans and more likely than not find support outside their immediate family or friendships. Furthermore, studies have demonstrated they possess higher cognitive functions based on logic and scientific reasoning than the general population.
Listening to metal music has the additional advantage of helping to improve short-term memory performance, as its rhythmic beat creates vivid and emotive mental images, making it easier for you to recall items later. Many students use metal music as background noise while studying.
Although music can boost your IQ, overexposure can have adverse effects on the brain. But in general, any kind of music can help enhance concentration and boost mood – it’s just important that you find music you enjoy listening to! Whether classical, jazz, rock or metal may be your preference, the best thing you can do for your wellbeing is listening to some tunes!
5. It relieves anxiety
Listening to any type of music can be therapeutic, relieving anxiety. Metal is known for being especially therapeutic. With its distorted guitars and aggressive rhythms, metal has long been used as an outlet to process feelings like anger or sadness. Research also indicates it as being effective at emotional regulation which may help alleviate depression or reduce negative emotions.
Though some have speculated that heavy metal music’s violent and misogynistic themes might lead to aggression, antisocial behavior or drug use, research has disproved these claims. One study showed that while listening to violent media increased participants’ arousal levels and aggressive cognitions but didn’t increase actual aggression levels in participants.
Study after study has demonstrated the beneficial properties of listening to metal as an immune-enhancing technique. Researchers discovered that listening to metal increases secretory IgA production (a protein which protects against toxins) while simultaneously decreasing inflammation markers; suggesting it could aid in combatting stress- and inflammation-related ailments, including rhinitis, sinus infections, and digestive issues.
Heavy metal fans frequently tell us of how heavy metal saved their life or helped them through difficult times, making the genre a powerful source of social support and positive energy in their lives. Research shows that long-time metal fans tend to possess higher self-esteem levels and more supportive friendships than non-fans.
Metal music may cause some people to shudder in its power and energy; others find its pounding drum beats, distorted guitar riffs, and heavy bass lines captivating and enjoyable. If you want to increase productivity or boost wellbeing at work or elsewhere in life then metal may just be what’s needed!