The benefits of going to concerts

One of the best parts of going to a concert is that sense of camaraderie. Everyone around you is also a fan, wearing the clothes that you’re wearing, and singing the songs that you’re singing. No matter where you live, how old you are, you are all together because you love the same music. There’s comfort in simply knowing that you are not alone. That comfort and connection contributes to your mental health, helping to foster your self-worth and well-being.

But have you ever thought about some of the benefits that linger under the surface?

There is no doubt that concerts are life changing. It’s an indescribable feeling, the one you get when you are moments away from watching your favorite band or singer take the stage and perform. That feeling only intensifies when you are singing along, dancing around, and getting lost in the moment. It’s not too often that you get to share this one moment with hundreds or thousands of people, never to be experienced in the same way again. When you walk out of the venue, you get to take that memory with you for the rest of your life. A great show can do wonders, and if you feel a certain “concert high” for days or weeks after the show, there may be a special reason why…

People will joke that a festival has “cured their acne” or “healed their wounds,” but if you really have felt physically better after going to a show, you’re not crazy! Various studies have proven that when you listen to music, your body tends to lower the amount of stress hormones that are released into the system. So, if you notice that your general worries and doubts fade away while you’re at a concert, it’s because your body is responding to the melodies and rhythms.

You may notice that your pain tolerance has also increased. Studies show that when you are excited, the brain releases endorphins. These endorphins are known to be pain blockers, helping to raise your tolerance for aches, cuts, or sores. This is why someone may get knocked around in the mosh pit, and while they should be feeling the effects of their bruises, they are completely fine. 

It takes stamina to get through a concert. You can get in anywhere from half an hour to two hours of cardio, according to health experts. There’s walking to the venue, standing in line for the doors to open, swaying to the music, walking back and forth to the bar or the merch booth – nothing short of physical. You are also burning calories while dancing, singing, and moving crowd surfers to the front of the pit. Any time you miss at the gym is definitely made up for at the show, keeping your health routine on track. 

Even a nice evening at the symphony can yield similar physiological benefits. Endorphins are released, stress hormones are lowered, and calories are burned through clapping or humming along. Even if you think that sitting in a chair for a few hours is not as healthy as getting up and dancing, you are doing your body some good. As you absorb all the sweet swells of the strings or the dramatic thuds of the timpani, your body is naturally relaxing. This means that your heart rate is getting lower, your breathing might slow down, and your blood pressure will drop. So go ahead, indulge in a little Mozart or Stravinksy – it could be exactly what you need.

The next time your friends get on your case about going to yet another concert or your parents judge you for going out, just remind them that you are truly living your best life by seeing that band or artist. Sure, the makeshift glittery sign that you’re going to hold up during the power ballad suggests otherwise, but they can’t ignore the smile on your face or the spring in your step. In the end, you’re relieving stress, getting fit, and protecting your mental health. It’s not just a concert, it’s an experience that feeds the mind, body, and soul. 

The benefits of going to concerts is an article included in our 010 Magazine featuring Em Beihold. Head to issuu to see the full magazine.