8 Ways Music Improves Mental Health
Music brings joy and smiles to those who are down. It consoles those who are in pain. Music strives to uplift one’s lonely spirit and it heals broken hearts. It may be personal for each one but it brings people together to celebrate life.
Music is a source of entertainment and a sounding proof that life will always get better. It empowers an individual to be strong, confident, motivated and inspired. Numerous studies show that using music as a treatment reduces symptoms of mental health conditions like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or depression.
What are the benefits of music to your mental health?
Before, people viewed music as a way to express one’s thoughts and emotions. Just like a poem, it narrates their inner longings, their forbidden love, their brave words, and their sentimental victories. Now, music has become an instrument for many to be happy and to forget problems at work or home. Even for just a moment, music is a therapeutic tool that improves your mental health.
1. Music enhances relaxation.
Being too occupied with work and family responsibilities makes you forget that you need to take a break and relax. It is not a waste of time if you choose to sit down and listen to music. Listening to calming music like classical or jazz, you maximize your relaxation. Your brain and body conform to slow down. Music decreases your blood pressure, heart rate and your stress hormones.
2. Music increases productivity.
Unbeknown to many, music increases productivity and efficiency. It keeps you alert while at work and improves your performance level. Some studies show that productivity increases significantly when listening to instrumental music. Though not all types of music help in completing tasks quickly, it is still an important variable in keeping the ambiance friendly and comfortable.
3. Music uplifts your mood.
You listen to music when you are brokenhearted. Tuning into Spotify is your ultimate solution to managing your loneliness or anger. You turn to music whenever you are annoyed or ill-tempered just to escape momentarily the intolerable reality of life. Your brain releases dopamine, a feel-good chemical, whenever you listen to good music.
4. Music helps you rest better.
Generally, sleep and rest immensely affect your state of body and mind. The lack of it has an impact on your physical well-being and emotions. When you do not get enough sleep, you perform and think poorly. You are easily irritated, unreliable and grumpy. But with music, you can sleep easily and get the rest your body and mind need.
5. Music helps manage pain.
Medical professionals rely on music to mitigate chronic pain that their patients may feel during medical procedures. Researchers illustrate how your preferred music can have a positive impact on your tolerance and improve your control and perception of pain. Music has the power to conjure memories and emotions that aid in distracting you from pain and discomfort.
6. Music promotes creativity.
Music inspires people to let out their resourcefulness and creativity. It stimulates your divergent thinking to come up with brilliant and innovative ideas that will potentially help your and your community to be better. Music fuels your imagination and diverts your mind from unpleasant and bad things.
7. Music improves memory.
Listening to music or playing an instrument awakens parts of the brain that are associated with memory, speech and reasoning. It exercises your brain by stimulating it and building neuroplasticity. Since music is known to improve cognitive performance, it prompts you to recall certain experiences and memories. Hearing a song your mother often sang when you were younger creates a nostalgic feeling during your childhood.
8. Music reduces stress and anxiety.
One of the most important roles of music in improving your mental health is it lessens the stress and anxiety you often feel every day. It minimizes depressive episodes because you are happier, more alert and more efficient when you listen to music. You are more motivated to do your daily tasks because your brain is relaxed, stable and calm.
What to do if you are depressed and anxious?
Feeling sad and down is a normal feeling but it becomes a problem when it goes on for a long period. It slowly affects your physical and mental health and it becomes a major concern to the people around you.
When you find medications and music unhelpful, seeking help from a trusted therapist or counselor can be an effective solution. Mindshift Psychological Services offer services that will help in managing your mental health issues. Whether it is depression or trauma, we are here to give you the utmost support, guidance and care.
Visit our website to learn more about us or contact us at this number (714) 584-9700. Our friendly staff are ready to serve you and find the best ways to improve your mental health.
