The renowned British neurologist Oliver Sacks once said, “Music can lift us out of depression or move us to tears – it is a remedy, a tonic, orange juice for the ear. But for many of my neurological patients, music is even more – it can provide access, even when no medication can, to movement, to speech, to life. For them, music is not a luxury, but a necessity.” Sacks’ words highlight the impact music can have on people, on how music can act as a tool for healing and connection.
A popular Instagram handle recently highlighted a fascinating phenomenon, of how music can synchronise the brains of both the performer and their audience. This means that when people engage with music, their brainwaves can align, creating a shared emotional experience. This synchronisation isn’t just a fact; it has real, wonderful effects on our wellbeing.
When we listen to or perform music, our brains can become deeply connected to one another. And this can be beneficial for our mental and emotional health. Whether it’s through the soothing melody that eases our stress or the uplifting rhythm that energises us, music has the power to affect our lives in many ways.
To celebrate the wonderful manner in which music affects us, a special day is dedicated to it. International Music Day, celebrated annually on October 1st, is dedicated to honour music’s role in bringing people together. On this day, various events such as concerts, performances and educational activities are held worldwide to highlight music’s ability to connect people. It is a tribute to the role music plays in shaping our world and enhancing our human experience. On this special day, join us as we explore the benefits music can have on our wellbeing.
Lowers stress
Many of us start our morning with calming classical music or uplifting hymns that make us feel positive and ready for the day. After a stressful day, coming home and listening to soothing jazz music can make everything seem a bit nicer and easier for some. Even at work, taking a short break to enjoy some music can help relax and recharge. Indeed, we’ve all experienced how music can make things better.
Listening to music has a real impact on our stress levels. It helps lower cortisol, the hormone linked to stress. When we listen to our favourite tunes, our brain releases chemicals that make us feel good and eases our stress—this helps lower cortisol levels. In fact, music is a simple and effective way to unwind and feel relaxed instantly.
Enhances mental health treatments
The benefits of music therapy are far too many to ignore. Music can play a crucial role in mental health treatments according to experts. Therapists often use music therapy to help individuals manage their mental health conditions. The rhythm and lyrics of songs can help patients to express themselves, work through their emotions and improve their overall mental state.
In fact, music therapy compliments traditional or conventional treatments or procedures by providing a unique support to one’s mental health and wellbeing.
Eases pain, depression
Music is known to reduce pain caused due to various factors. A study by Dr Frances H Rauscher and her team found that listening to music can lower pain levels and improve overall comfort in humans. Their findings showed that music can act as a powerful tool for pain relief as well as be people’s emotional support.
Research further tells us that music has been beneficial for many humans suffering from depression. Listening to uplifting or soothing music can improve their mood and provide an escape from negative thoughts. The emotional connection people develop with certain kinds of music can reduce feelings of sadness if listened to regularly.
Alleviates anxiety
A lot of us experience anxiety on a daily basis. Whether it is because we are having a rough day, feeling nervous about an upcoming presentation or worrying about an appraisal, anxiety strikes frequently in a lot of our lives. During such times, listening to music can help ease anxiety.
By listening to and enjoying certain calming and harmonious sounds, we tend to feel a sense of calm. It has a soothing effect that helps ease our mind and body.
Source of pleasure
Have you ever watched videos of the Queen concert on your television and felt alive in a dramatic way? Or perhaps caught a Taylor Swift concert live? The excitement and joy emanating from these performances are undeniable. The audience is captivated, completely immersed in the magic of the music. The afterglow of such musical evenings also tends to last long.
Music is truly a source of pleasure for many people. This is because enjoying melodies, rhythms and harmonies lights up the brain’s reward system, releasing dopamine, the feel-good chemical. This experience not only boosts our mood but also promotes our overall wellbeing and joy.
Helps stay present
A lot of us spend our time dwelling on the past or worrying about the future, which can often lead to unnecessary stress and suffering, given the fact that both past and future are beyond one’s control. Music has the power to ground us in the present moment.
When we start to get lost in a great piece of music, we tend to become fully absorbed in the experience. This not only soothes us but also helps focus on the here and now. Being mindful or fully present towards the music thus helps in reducing stress and creates a sense of calm; a quick fix for when we face those drops in our mood.
Builds connections
Music helps build connections between people, even different-minded ones. Whether through performing together, sharing favourite songs or attending concerts, music creates a soothing bond and brings people closer. This connection has the potential to improve our social interactions too—bonding over music actually provides a chance to build new and beautiful friendships for many people, especially introverts.
Music’s ability to synchronise our brains and impact our wellbeing is truly remarkable. From lowering stress levels to enhancing mental health treatments, music offers a wide range of benefits that contribute to a healthier, happier life. So let the music play!
FAQs
What are the effects of music on our cortisol levels?
Listening to calming music can trigger the release of feel-good chemicals in the brain, which helps lower cortisol levels. Cortisol is the hormone related to stress in the human body.
How can music therapy benefit mental health treatments?
Therapists use music to help patients manage conditions such as depression and anxiety through therapeutic musical activities.
What is music’s impact on wellbeing?
Music can help alleviate symptoms of depression by improving mood and even providing emotional relief. In this way, it can help enhance our overall wellbeing.
How does music act as a distraction from stress?
Music acts as a distraction from stress by diverting our attention from worries and concerns to something creative and beautiful.