Many people deal with mental health issues. Music, for many of us, creates a strong emotional reaction, and has a positive effect on mental health. Listening to music releases a chemical called dopamine in the brain that helps you feel good. Research has also found that people who listen to enjoyable music have dopamine levels 9% higher than those who don’t.
Other than physiological effects, music is a way to express ourselves when words fail. Sometimes a song may mean everything to a person. It gives them a method of expressing their emotions to others, and helps them understand what they are feeling. Music can also simply help you relax, especially if you are easily anxious. Playing calming music while relaxing in a comfortable area can make you feel much better.
Music can also increase your focus and attention span. Classical music usually has 60 beats per minute, which is the optimal tempo to improve the brain’s information processing efficiency. The music that you choose should not have lyrics and be played in the background softly.
Music therapy is relatively new in psychology, but it has received good results. This could be useful for people who find music to be the best way to express and communicate their feelings. Music therapy utilises musical components like rhythm, melody and tonality. Clients use different types of instruments and their voice to create music that reflect how they are feeling emotionally and physically. This can help build a connection with themselves, and the people around them. Music therapists provide support using instruments and a singing and speaking voice. Sessions can be done individually or in a group.
Music has been scientifically proven to have benefits to your mental health. Just sitting back and relaxing with your favourite music for a while can do good for your mind. If you feel it may help, music therapy can be extremely helpful to express your emotions where other methods have not worked.
Category(s):Stress Management
Source material from Social Work Helper
