So many of us struggle with mental health issues, and sometimes it can seem as though nothing is helping. For many, music causes a strong emotional reaction, and it can have more of an impact on our mental health than you might think. Here’s a little more about music and mental health.
The Effect of Music on Your Brain
Recently, it has been discovered that listening to music releases dopamine, something known as the feel-good chemical in your brain. Alongside this, it has also been found that those who listen to music that they enjoy have dopamine levels that are up to 9% higher. This discovery was one of the first strong pieces of scientific evidence that link music and mental wellbeing.
Why Music is Good
There are a few reasons why music is so good for your mental health, aside from the release of dopamine in your brain. For one, it is a form of self-expression. Not all of us have a way with words, and it can be hard to express exactly how you feel. Sometimes, the right song can mean everything to a person, helping them to understand the way they feel and expressing it to others.
It can also help you to just sit back and relax for a little while. This is particularly helpful if you are a high-strung or anxious person, as while everyone needs some time to relax, you need it even more. Put on some calm and easy music, recline on the sofa, and just close your eyes. You’ll be surprised by how good you feel afterwards.
It can increase your focus levels. Sometimes we have trouble concentrating, and music can help to give your attention span a good boost, allowing you to focus a little better on the task at hand. Generally, classical music has a tempo of 60 beats per minute, which is the best speed to increase the brain’s information processing efficiency. Of course, the music you choose should have no lyrics and play softly in the background.
Music Therapy
In terms of therapies, music therapy is a relatively new concept, but it has also been met with positivity and great results. It could be an excellent option for those who find music to be the best form of expression and communication.
Music therapy uses the qualities and musical components of rhythm, melody, and tonality, to provide a form of turning music into a form of therapy. During sessions, people work with a wide range of accessible instruments, along with their voices, to create a musical language that reflects their emotional and physical feelings and conditions.
This can help to build connections with both themselves, and those around them. The music therapists are there to help support communications using instrumental music and voice that is either sung or spoken, and sessions can either be undertaken in a one on one or group environment.
It has been scientifically proven that music is good for your mental health. Just taking some time out to sit back and relax with your favourite songs can do your mind a world of good. Or, if you want to take it a step further, music therapy could be extremely beneficial to you. If you needed an excuse to listen to music and didn’t have one before, you certainly have one now.
