Music Festivals Are Great For Your Health
It is no secret that music festivals are some of the most fun experiences in our modern-day lives. So fun, that nearly 1/3 of millennials are going into debt just to get in on the action. In the past, festivals were given a bad rap, as they were hotbeds for drugs & alcohol. Throw in poor event planning, bad production, & horrid facilities, and well, you get the point.
In the modern-day & age, these have all greatly improved. We now see millions of dollars going into facilities, and event production. We also see professionals taking the reigns in regards to event planning. Add in your favorite artists to this new mix, and it is no surprise that music festivals are a giant source of happiness.
Studies
A recent study by Daisy Fancourt, who is an associate professor in epidemiology at University College London, found that:
“… going to concerts significantly reduces the levels of the stress hormone cortisol.”
She tested this by taking saliva samples from people attending both classical, and pop concerts, both before, and after. The study also found that:
“Both groups were biologically calmer afterwards. Which suggests it’s more about the event rather than the type of music.”
In addition to all of this, her studies also found that going to live music events could:
“…help reduce the risk of developing depression and preserve cognition in the over-50s.”
This is all pretty neat when you consider there was also another study done earlier this year. In it, this one shows that music can help combat Alzheimers & Dementia.
A second study, this time done by Julie Ballantyne, researched the effects of music festivals on people’s wellbeing in Australia. In it, she found that:
“The experience of being separated from everyday life prompts people to reflect and spend time on themselves…
this is important for their wellbeing,”
Lastly, she notes that:
“…bad experiences, such as drinking too much alcohol, being jostled in big crowds, poor toilet and shower facilities…
can reduce the benefits.”
University of Queensland.
If you’ve recently attended a festival, I’m sure you know exactly what she’s talking about.
If you’re still not convinced, we’ve got you covered. Check out our top 5 reasons why you should attend music festivals with your family, here.
H/T – BBC
