By Steve Price
There is no end to the stresses of life in the 21st century: everywhere you turn, a new stressor appears that saps our energy and decreases our mood. Time yields for no one, and studies have shown that people with high stress levels live less satisfying lives. That is why Well-Sewn.com seeks to help people engage in life with stress-relief tips that help lessen the emotional burden that we face on a day-to-day basis. And one of the best ways to help with stress may be one of the easiest tools in the arsenal to use to combat the epidemic people face: music. Scientists have long-since proven the cognitive benefits of music therapy for individuals – people with dementia, Alzheimer’s or traumatic brain injuries see better results in their treatment with music therapy. Music helps children with autism or other developmental challenges build speech patterns and engaging in social interaction. And listening music engages multiple parts of the brain, helping stroke patients recovery after their episodes.
But what if we told you that listening to music also had practical benefits for ordinary living, too? We all listen to music in some form or fashion on a daily basis whether we intend to or not, given the way products are marketed on television or the internet. Social media websites like Spotify and YouTube have provided an endless reservoir of musical choices to brighten up our day. What if listening to music could not only provide a distraction from the daily rigors of life, but also improve mental health at the same time? Surprised? Let us take you through the multitude of benefits of utilizing music therapy to reduce stress.
Improvement of Mood
The calming rhythms and melodies of music lower cortisol levels in the human body: cortisol is the stress hormone that increases taxation on our mental faculties. So right away, music therapy is excellent for lowering stress in individuals and promoting healthier living. But it goes so much deeper than just lowering stress; listening to music that we enjoy releases dopamine and endorphins into the brain; these are the “feel-good” chemicals that make us happy. Music also makes an excellent outlet for expression, especially for individuals who struggle to verbalize emotions like children or trauma survivors. Science has unlocked a bevy of good news for people who enjoy listening to tunes on the go or in their daily routines!
Physical Benefits
Did you know that music therapy is utilized in hospitals to distract from and reduce the perception of pain? The rhythmic movement and drumming that accompanies listening to music can actually help in physical rehabilitation by improving gait and coordination. Slow, calming music can even lower blood pressure and support relaxation in individuals. When you are dealing with pain or stress, try putting on calming music that helps you relax: studies have shown that music can help decrease the pain level in individuals simply by listening to music that helps them to calm themselves and center their pain. Even a modicum of pain-relief without medication is a boon in this day and age.
Social Connectivity
Music is an amazing bridge between individuals looking to connect as friends. Isolated individuals participate more in community and therapeutic activities when listening to music, and the group drumming, singing and instrument playing in music builds connectivity and teamwork skills. Have you ever gone to a Karaoke night at a bar or a work function and sung along with friends? That hit of dopamine and endorphins is a free way to improve mood and have fun, even if you sound like a lovelorn goose honking for a mate when you sing. The camaraderie builds friendships between individuals and helps improve general mood for hours afterward, helping us get that ‘high’ from social interaction.
Meditative Melodies
The holistic benefits of music are well known to researchers, who value music therapy for its ability to center individuals and present mindfulness as an important point in meditation. Music creates space for relaxation, reflection, and a sense of peace. How often have you found yourself listening to that special tune that gives you pause and makes you reflect on the memories in your life? How often do we zone out from stress and hone in on peacefulness when we relish that favorite tune of ours? Music has an incredible ability to reprocess our thoughts and make us feel better without even doing much more than sitting in the moment and being present. Calming music can help us relax and meditate on the meaning of our daily struggles; exciting music can build up adrenaline for when we need it for physical workloads like exercising. Who hasn’t rocked out to songs like Eye of the Tiger by Survivor when hitting the weight machine at the gym?
When you want to increase your positive mood and build out your daily plans, consider creating playlists for different occasions. People have created playlists for stressful days and for lighthearted fun when working on errands or around the house activities. The aforementioned workout playlist can be a great way to boost your performance at the gym and help improve healthy living habits. And when the stress of life gets too high, a calming playlist for meditation and mindfulness can be a boon for lowering stress. Music is such a perfect medium for healthy living that people can enjoy freely through a variety of resources. So the next time you consider looking for that extra boost to help you get through the day, never discount the power that your favorite tunes have on your wellbeing!
