A new study claims that just 20 minutes of live music every two weeks can raise your mental wellbeing
If you’ve ever felt that uplifting rush of energy when your favourite band steps on-stage and the crowd goes wild, then congratualtions – you’re probably going to live a long and healthy life. That’s according to a new study anyway, which claims that going to gigs can actually help you live longer.
The report, conducted by O2 and Patrick Fagan (an expert in behavioural science and Associate Lecturer at Goldsmiths) reveals that experiencing just 20 minutes of a gig can result in a 21 per cent increase in feelings of wellbeing. On top of that, research links high levels of wellbeing with a nine-year lifespan increase – a correlation, says the study, between gig-going and longevity of life.
It’s of course worth noting that O2 own a whole bunch of live venues around the UK, but we’re sure that’s neither here nor there.
According to O2, the research used “bespoke psychometric and heart-rate tests” to monitor a range of wellbeing activities including gig-going, yoga, and dog-walking. The live experience raised wellbeing in areas of self-worth (plus 25 per cent!) and closeness to others (another 25!), while mental stimulation climbed by a massive 75 per cent. Those who attend live concerts once a fortnight or more were most likely to score their happiness, contentment, productivity, and self-esteem at the highest level (10 out of 10).
“Our research showcases the profound impact gigs have on feelings of health, happiness and wellbeing – with fortnightly or regular attendance being the key,” says Patrick Fagan in a press release. “A gig a fortnight which could pave the way for almost a decade more years of life.”
Not that any of this will matter if the UK’s live music venues keep shutting down at the pace they currently are, obviously. Listen to #savefabric, a compilation released to raise funds when London nightclub Fabric was faced with closure, below.