You probably use music to help motivate yourself during workouts, pre-game pump-up, or to settle down after the game. Music plays a big role in our daily lives and can help supercharge your recovery journey too. Let's dive into how music impacts us on a deeper level—physiologically, emotionally, and mentally— and why it should be your new go-to tool for recovery.
The Science Behind the Sound
Ever wonder why you feel so fired up during that epic workout playlist? Music has a powerful effect on our brains and bodies. Costas Karageorghis, is who is a leading researcher on music, sport, and exercise, music can synchronize our movements, improve our mood, and even reduce our perception of effort during physical activity.
When we listen to music we love, our brains release feel-good chemicals like dopamine, which can help us push through the pain and stay motivated during those tough rehab sessions. Plus, certain beats and rhythms can actually help us maintain a steady pace, making it easier to stick to our rehab routines and avoid overdoing it. Let’s explore the properties that make music so motivational:
You probably already knew that music was motivational, but now you know more of the science behind why. Let’s explore how to use this to your advantage during your injury recovery.
Outcomes of Using Music
But music has a way of lifting our spirits and helping us stay positive, even when times get tough. Whether it's a heartfelt ballad or an upbeat anthem, the right tune can remind us that setbacks are just temporary, and we have the strength to overcome much of what comes our way. Click each toggle to see an example of applying each.
Don't underestimate the power of music. From boosting your mood to keeping you on track with your rehab, the healing beat is always there to guide you every step of the way. Create a playlist, crank up the volume, and let the music be your guide. According to Dr. Karageorghis, you can create a strong playlist by: 1) Knowing your task, 2) writing down song(s) that will help you do your task, 3) checking the beats per minute; 120 - 140 bpm is the ideal range for workouts, and 4) selecting other songs with same bpm.
