14 Jun 2021

Everyone loves music one way or another. Some like to study, exercise, create, write, read with it. A lot are fans of sharing it with friends and strangers at gigs, concerts, and festivals. Some can't get on with their day without cranking it and dancing like a madman in their room. A few love to plug their earphones in on a long train ride, gaze out the window, and pretend they're in a movie... (guilty). 

I mean, whilst I write this, I'm listening to a playlist I spent hours curating. Point is, we all love music.

 

But I don't think a lot of us realise how much of an impact music can have on our subconscious mind, our mental health, and our emotions. I mean, music can enhance intelligence and focus, improve mental health, and boost the immune system as well as self-esteem and confidence. It can be used to relax, to boost and lift our mood, or to improve concentration.

So, here is how that thing we all love can help us when people can't.

Loneliness

Music is seen as a social surrogate for friends. There's a 'Persona Theory' that describes how listeners unconsciously conceive music as an expression of a state of mind with a person. Why's that? Well, music makes us feel understood and emotionally supported. If you are feeling lonely, or are struggling to express your emotions with your friends and family just yet, engaging with music is so so powerful.

Stress

Music can give our minds and bodies some R&R time, especially slow and calm music. Music can slow the pulse and heart rate, lower blood pressure, and decrease the levels of stress hormones. 

As music can absorb our attention (which is why people study or meditate to it for focus), it acts as a distraction at the same time it helps to explore emotions. 

Expression

Music can be a constructive way to work through complex emotions. When I'm frazzled, I listen to music before and whilst journalling to authentically regurgitate my thoughts and figure out why I'm feeling this way and what I can do about it. Sometimes, it's hard to talk to people about what we're feeling, sometimes it's also really hard to put our emotions into words.

Music is a creative way to engage us and bring us to the present. So, whether it’s making or playing a playlist of your favourite songs or strumming your guitar, music is the perfect non-verbal way of snapping yourself to the moment, being in touch with your emotions, and express them.

Mood

Some studies have found that listening to music you enjoy may increase the release of pleasure-causing substances in the brain like norepinephrine and melatonin.

So, if you're having a bad day, cranking some uplifting songs as loud as you can will elevate your mood one way or another. I've got a playlist dedicated for when I need some up-tempo, fast-paced, fun music to get me amped.

Find that one song that always seems to make you euphoric. My magic songs are 'Hey Jude' by The Beatles and 'Surrender' by Cheap Trick. Whilst I love people, no one can help me like these songs can.

So, what are you waiting for? Crank some tunes.