Why Listening to K-pop is Good For You!

IMG_8376 2There are a lot of naysayers who might approach K-pop fans and ask why you would even consider listening to (and daresay, loving?) K-pop if you can’t understand a word they’re saying. Well, guess what…now you can say it’s because it’s good for you! Check out just a few of the health benefits below!

 

1) It Helps Your Brain Learn the Language

Scientists have found that prospective language learners would have a better chance retaining the language if they sang it rather than just studied it off the page! According to an article written by The Telegraph, “Research from the University of Edinburgh found that adults who sang words or short phrases from a foreign language while learning were twice as good at speaking it later”. (1) We’re sure you’ve already picked up a few words and phrases here and there! Keep it up! 화이팅!

2) Coverdancing Keeps You HealthyCOVERDANCER_1

Of course it’s a given that when you listen to a K-pop song you love over and over, you’re going to want to learn the dance so you can show your appreciation or just show off to your friends…and there’s nothing wrong with that! In fact, that’s the right mindset to have if you want to benefit your health! According to an article by Berkeley Wellness, “Dancing may also be good for your mood. It has been shown to reduce depression, anxiety, and stress and boost self-esteem, body image, coping ability, and overall sense of well-being, with the benefits lasting over time.” (2) So, put on those dancing shoes and give it a shot!

3) Cultural Awareness Makes You a Well-Rounded Person

JJAMPONGThis is something that we have always thought. Thanks to our parents, we were introduced to many different cultures at a young age, and we feel it was for the better, as we were (and still are…) more empathetic and understanding of cultural differences than a lot of our colleagues were at the same age. Our world was expanded, and K-pop can do the same thing! Think about it…when you get into K-pop, you become curious about the country it originates from, its culture, its food, ect. That was our story at least, and we’re so thankful that it happened that way! An article posted by The Guardian also suggested that “[g]lobal awareness and international collaboration during the formative years results in more rounded individuals, encouraging our pupils to see things from different perspectives and helping them to make informed decisions, acquiring transferable skills that will be useful to them and will remain with them for life.” (3) So, if your teacher catches you watching a K-pop video during class, just say you’re expanding your horizons…ok, don’t actually do that! Pay attention in school kids! ^_^

4) It Can Reduce Your Pain

IMG_9604Music in general has the power to keep pain at bay, but, the benefits increase as you listen to music that you actually, really like! This is supposedly linked to the release of dopamine that happens when one listens to something that they consider soothing, or thoroughly enjoy! We’ve heard many stories about K-pop fans who find listening to their favorite K-pop songs from their favorite group had a hand in helping them get through difficult and painful times, and science proves it! A Huffington Post article about music’s positive effects on our body supported this, saying, “It’s not clear why music may reduce pain, though music’s impact on dopamine release may play a role. Of course, stress and pain are also closely linked; so music’s impact on stress reduction may also partly explain the effects.” (4) So, next time you feel stressed, anxious or you stubbed your toe, turn up some of your favorite jams to get yourself back in a good mood!

5) It’s Just Plain Fun!KFANS_1

Let’s face it, K-pop is fun! Whether it’s the flashy MVs, the joy in finding and befriending other K-pop fans across the world, or the excitement you feel from seeing your bias’ onstage, K-pop has the ability to make an ordinary day extraordinary. And having fun, science has found, is VERY important for your overall wellbeing. In this busy world, many have forgotten how to have fun, instead, pushing it out to make room for more “important” aspects of life, like work or deadlines, but that’s a big no-no. An article by Medbroadcast states that, “[r]emoving the things that you normally enjoy can feel like a way of conserving your energy for more important tasks. In reality, giving up enjoyable activity actually reduces your energy in the long run.” (5) As a rule, it’s important to include fun activities in your everyday life that can co-exist alongside your work life, family life, ect. so that you can continue to be the healthiest person you can be!

Now, we know a lot of music’s positive effects can be cultivated by listening to any music genre, but isn’t it more fun to make it about K-pop!? So, go ahead and keep up the K-pop love! It’s good for your health! ^_^


Sources: 

(1) “Singing Can Help When Learning a Foreign Language”, Richard Gray, The Telegraph, http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/science/science-news/10188533/Singing-can-help-when-learning-a-foreign-language.html

(2) “The Many Health Benefits of Dancing”, Berkeley Wellness, http://www.berkeleywellness.com/fitness/active-lifestyle/article/many-health-benefits-dancing

(3) “Why Students Need Global Awareness and Understanding of Other Cultures”,  José Picardo, The Guardian, http://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/2012/sep/25/students-global-awareness-other-cultures

(4) “5 Ways Music Improves Our Health”, Jill Suttie, Huffpost Healthy Living, http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/02/02/music-and-health-rock-on_n_6573132.html

(5) “Having Fun Is Good For You”, Medbroadcast, http://www.medbroadcast.com/Channel/Fitness/Overview/Having-fun-is-good-for-you