The power of music
Music has the ability to bring us joy and comfort, to motivate us and to help us relax. It has the power to transport us back in time, to calm our worried minds or boost our moods. There really is a song for every emotion.
Science has even backed these benefits of music. Research findings have demonstrated that music supports our physical, mental and emotional health. It can help in regulating our emotions, improving our mood, and enhancing productivity and concentration, and it can even help us sleep better.
Here are six ways music can enhance your wellbeing.
1. Boost your mood
Research has proven the link between music and our mood. Listening to your favourite song can cause a release of dopamine into the brain that can help in preventing depression. Try making a playlist of all your favourite songs that you can listen to next time you are feeling down. Try to choose songs that are upbeat and if you can sing-along and dance to them- even better! As singing and dancing encourage the release of endorphins or the ‘happy hormones.
2. Enhance attention and focus
Music has also been shown to improve focus and attention and boost mental performance when studying or when working on a task. So, if you find yourself zoning in and out of work or study, try listening to some stimulating tracks to power your attention. Steer clear of any music with lots of lyrics or a distracting beat, instead, opt for some classical music. Classical music (baroque in particular) has been found to bring about a balanced, stable, calm state of mind and improve learning efficiency.”
3. Recall fond memories
Music has the ability to transport us to the past and can allow us to recall fond memories. This is because listening to the same music repeatedly, creates associations in our brain with the emotions experienced whilst listening to that music. So even when we replay music from years ago, we can immediately reconnect with the emotions and feelings that were being experienced at that time. This is useful when we want to recall positive experiences or memories and relive some of that positivity in the present. Music has also been found to have a profound influence on the memories of those with dementia and Alzheimer’s. A popular program developed in the US called ‘Music & Memory’ focuses on creating personalised playlists and playing this music to people who have chronic cognitive and physical impairment. The creators explain that the music awakens a part of the brain not impacted by dementia and evokes responses, such as singing and movement, and brief moments of reconnection with loved ones.”
4. Promote relaxation & restful sleep
Playing some calming music may be just what you need when you’re feeling overwhelmed and stressed and perhaps unable to get a restful sleep. Research indicates that listening to peaceful music can help with relaxation by slowing your breathing and heart rate as well reducing blood pressure and reducing the stress hormones including adrenaline and cortisol. This makes it easier to unwind and let go of some of your worries which in turn may help you fall asleep quicker and stay asleep longer.
5. Boost motivation and energy
Most people will find that exercise is much easier when listening to music. This is because, fast-paced, upbeat music increases your heartrate and gives you a burst of energy, fuelling motivation and maximising performance. So, if you’re needing a bit of a boost before your next workout, try putting together a soundtrack of your favourite energising tracks.
6. Cultivate connection
Music is universal, it brings people together from all walks of life. It doesn’t really matter what language you speak or where you are from, music is a language that all of us can understand. It brings people together at concerts, at places of worship and celebrations. Research has even found that listening to music can trigger the release of oxytocin, the ‘love hormone’ that helps us in developing empathy, trust and compassion for others. So, if you’re every feeling lonely try listening to some music to create a sense of belonging and connection.
If you would like to talk to someone further about this, or your wellbeing in general and need support, please feel free to contact us on 8838-8687 or book an appointment online and come in to see one of our friendly Psychologists.