Fighting Vecna: How The Power Of Music Benefits The Body And Brain

Written by Juliane Guo
Edited by Kristin Cho
Cover Image by Nancy Cao

“Music can reach parts of the brain that words can't.” After the release of Stranger Things Season 4, this is surely a quote remembered by many fans. It guided our beloved main characters out of Vecna’s grasp and deadly danger again and again. “Running Up That Hill” by Kate Bush. “Dream a Little Dream of Me” by Ella Fitzgerald. These songs all hold a special place in the show. But does music truly have this power? Although this may be doubted, music does have plenty of positive psychological effects on our brains and our bodies.

First of all, music exercises all parts of your brain - almost all brain regions and neuron networks. When a neuron pathway hasn’t been used in a long while, the brain would use these neurons for something else, weakening the connection. For instance, when you haven’t played an instrument or spoken a language in many years, your skills get rusty and make these actions more difficult to carry out. However, since music can keep these pathways strong, it has the power to enhance learning, stimulate cognitive function, and even bring happiness.

Speaking of providing an uplifting mood, upbeat music can provide energy. Whether it is dancing, running with your earphones on, or even jumping to your favorite tunes, combining music with social or aerobatic activities can generate maximum health benefits. Everyone loves listening to music while exercising, as it somehow makes everything more enjoyable. It is true, as music reduces the awareness of physical tiredness, leading to longer and more efficient workouts. Listening to fast-tempo music during warm-ups also enables athletes to perform better in a competitive scenario.

It is also scientifically proven that music could relieve anxiety and depression. A recent study found that, after a stressful event, listening to relaxing music could help with a faster recovery from the event. Other studies have found that a blend of music and natural sounds lowers the level of anxiety, even in people with critical illnesses. Research even shows that a mix of jazz and classical tunes reduces symptoms of depression. Not surprisingly, music also assists in pain management, reducing both chronic and acute pain, much more effectively when combined with medication.

But more importantly, other than the individual benefits, music connects us together as humans. It creates a sense of social connectedness, and some even say that music is a tool we rely on for communication - maybe because our ancestors lived in trees and called each other across canopies. Crowds unite through national anthems, partners bond through love songs, and infants develop secure attachments with parents through lullabies.

And there’s just so much more: whether it’s bringing back good memories that take you somewhere far back in time (like Max and “Running Up That Hill” in Stranger Things), or sparking new levels of creativity, music and its immense power lies below. All you need to do is play your favorite song with a click.

https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/why-is-music-good-for-the-brain-2020100721062
https://www.healthline.com/health/benefits-of-music#community-benefits
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/keep-your-brain-young-with-music#:~:text=It%20provides%20a%20total%20brain,%2C%20mental%20alertness%2C%20and%20memory.