Why cows give more milk when fed classical music and what you can learn from it
Have you ever heard that cows produce more milk when listening to classical music? It almost sounds like a fairy tale, but there are actually scientific studies that prove exactly that. Music can provide much more than just entertainment - it has a real impact on our health, our well-being and even our cognitive abilities. Let's delve into the fascinating world of sounds and find out how music can be good not only for cows, but also for us humans.
Effects of different music genres on the body
It's not just cows that benefit from music. We humans can also experience positive effects from different genres. Here is an overview of how different types of music affect our bodies:
| music genre | effect on the body |
|---|---|
| Classical music | Calming, lowers blood pressure, promotes relaxation. It is particularly suitable for stress relief and mental relaxation, e.g. after a long day at work or during meditative activities. |
| jazz | Relaxing, improves mood, can reduce stress. Jazz music with its flowing rhythms and improvisations helps many people to relax and relieve everyday stress. It is often listened to in the evening to create a pleasant atmosphere or to end the day quietly. |
| Lo-Fi | Increases concentration, helps to block out distractions. Lo-fi beats are particularly good for studying or working because they create a relaxed atmosphere without distracting. Many people use lo-fi music to get into a productive flow. |
| sounds of nature | Relaxing, calming, supports regeneration. Natural sounds such as rain, the sound of the sea or birdsong have a particularly calming effect and can help reduce stress and promote regeneration after a long day. They are also ideal as a sleep aid. |
| pop music | Mood-enhancing, can increase motivation. Pop music is characterized by catchy melodies and positive lyrics that lift the mood and provide energy. It is particularly suitable for sports activities or housework, as it can have a motivating effect and keep the body moving. |
| hardcore metal | Can increase stress levels, has a stimulating effect, serves as an emotional outlet. Hardcore metal is used by many people to release pent-up energy or frustration. However, the powerful sounds and fast rhythms can also increase stress levels in some listeners. |
| techno | Increases heart rate and blood pressure, can have a stimulating effect. Techno with its fast beats is particularly suitable for sporting activities or as an energy boost when tired. However, the stimulating effect can also lead to increased tension if the music is listened to for a longer period of time. |
| acoustic pieces |
Relaxing, calming, helps reduce stress. Acoustic music, such as simple guitar pieces, is ideal for relaxation and stress relief. It creates a cozy, intimate atmosphere and is therefore well suited to winding down in the evening or to play in the background during relaxed conversations. |
Why classical music boosts milk production and how it affects us
A study by the University of Leicester in England shows that cows that regularly listen to quiet classical music produce up to 3% more milk than their counterparts that do not listen to music. The reason for this is probably the calming effect of music: classical pieces such as Beethoven's "Pastorale" or Mozart's gentle symphonies reduce stress in the animals and make them feel more comfortable. This principle also applies to us humans - classical music can reduce stress, deepen breathing and slow the heartbeat, which overall increases our well-being. Less stress means better physical health - for cows as well as for us humans.
Classical music has a powerful effect on our emotional well-being as it lowers stress levels, slows the heartbeat and deepens breathing. This is because relaxing music activates our parasympathetic nervous system - the part of our nervous system responsible for relaxation and regeneration. Studies show that people who listen to calming music for 30 minutes a day can lower their blood pressure by up to 5 mmHg (American Heart Association, 2019).
Classical music, especially by composers such as Bach or Debussy, acts like a gentle massage for our brain and helps to reduce stress. It reduces the stress hormone cortisol and increases the production of endorphins, leading to improved physical and mental health.
Music instead of sleeping pills
Music can also be a valuable aid for sleep problems. Soothing sounds in particular, such as classical music or nature sounds, have been shown to have a sleep-inducing effect. Studies have shown that listening to gentle music before going to bed shortens the time it takes to fall asleep and improves sleep quality. A study by the National Sleep Foundation found that people who listen to soothing music before going to sleep fall asleep faster on average and wake up less often during the night. Classical music with slow tempos in particular, such as the works of Debussy or Brahms, help to lower the heart rate and calm the mind, which promotes restful sleep. Music can therefore be a natural alternative to sleeping pills and help to improve sleep rhythm in the long term.
Music as a Health Booster
Music can not only alleviate sleep problems, but also promote our health in general. Not only does listening to music have positive effects on the body and mind - actively practicing music can also play a major role. Whether singing or playing an instrument - both promote creativity, improve concentration and strengthen fine motor skills. In addition, making music releases endorphins, which reduces stress and strengthens the immune system.
Making music is particularly effective at reducing stress because it allows us to focus on the sound, technique and movement, allowing us to let go of negative thoughts. Singing also improves lung function and helps express emotions, while playing an instrument improves fine motor skills and the ability to concentrate.
Actively practicing music activates numerous regions in the brain simultaneously. The interaction of motor, auditory and visual areas promotes neuroplasticity - the brain's ability to adapt and create new connections. Making music together in groups in particular can increase social well-being, as it promotes a sense of togetherness and empathy. Singing and playing an instrument have numerous benefits for the body and mind. Did you know that singing for 20 minutes can have a similar effect on the body as a 20-minute jog? It improves lung function, releases feel-good hormones and helps express emotions, while playing an instrument strengthens fine motor skills and the ability to concentrate.
Listening to music can significantly improve our health. Research shows that listening to music increases the production of endorphins while lowering the stress hormone cortisol. A 2013 study published in the Journal of Positive Psychology found that people who regularly listen to music are less likely to get sick and suffer less from chronic pain.
Music therapy is increasingly used in hospitals and rehabilitation centers as a supportive treatment to provide relief to patients in pain. Soft melodies help the body to relax, leading to improved pain tolerance. In a study at the University of Utah, patients who listened to music during treatment experienced 20% less pain compared to those who did not listen to music.
Conclusion
Music has an impressive ability to have a positive effect on both animals and people. Whether classical music to calm us down, jazz to relax us or pop music to motivate us - each genre can be used specifically to increase our well-being depending on the situation. Classical music helps us to reduce stress and improve our health, while actively making music also promotes concentration and releases happiness hormones. Music can also alleviate sleep problems and serve as an effective support in pain therapy.
So why not use the power of music to positively influence your own life? Create a playlist with your favorite pieces and see what effect music has on you. Whether you are looking for relaxation, motivation or better concentration - music is a versatile resource that can help you in many situations in life.
