The Power of Music
Slow down you're doing fine. You can't be everything you want to be before your time.
-Billy Joel
Music and sound have been a part of the human experience for centuries, bringing people together and influencing emotions. The Hindus believe that the sound made from chanting “Om” during meditation helps align the mind with the breath. The Bible describes the sound of God’s voice as a powerful force that can bring light into being. More recently, music has been shown to have profound effects on our mental health through promoting social connection, alleviating stress, helping with memory recollection, and improving brain functioning. Music also serves as a form of communication for those who have difficulty verbalizing their thoughts, it introduces us to new cultures, and it helps amplify marginalized voices. In these ways (and more) music is powerful.
Music is multifaceted and listening to different songs can serve as a source of inspiration and motivation or can ground us. Music allows us to get in touch with our emotions, good or bad, by transporting us back to a moment or past memory, just by listening to a few familiar notes. This is a helpful tool for self-reflection and in helping us find meaning during difficult times. Music can also provide comfort and solace and it can help us express our feelings without the use of words. The possibilities of healing through music are endless as we continue to study the effects music has on the body and mind.
Studies have shown that music can reduce stress, anxiety, depression, and even chronic pain. Listening to music releases endorphins, associated with the pleasure response, and can increases serotonin levels, which helps promote positive thinking. Fast-paced music can help stimulate our bodies, while slow-paced music can promote relaxation. Singing along to a favorite song has also been found to release dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and happiness. Listening to music stimulates areas in the brain related to learning and memory and can improve cognitive functioning. This has been demonstrated by some patients who struggle with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Listening to familiar songs can help trigger a past memory and singing along to songs can help with remembering words better than simply being asked a question.
Music therapy has become more popular throughout the years and there are around 10,000 certified music therapists today. Music therapy is conducted in either individual or group sessions and uses music to address emotional, physical, cognitive, and social needs. Music therapy is beneficial in hospital and hospice settings as it can help patients reduce pain, improve communication, and provide comfort. One technique that could be used to help reduce pain is rhythmic breathing. This technique involves focusing on a steady beat while taking deep breaths in order to help relax the body and mind. Playing an instrument is another technique that helps with communication by creating shared experiences and social connections without having to verbalize thoughts. Some individuals may find it easier to express their emotions through music without fear of judgment or feeling overwhelmed by negative thoughts through direct, verbal communication.
Music has also played a role in activism and social movements, addressing issues such as racial injustice and gender inequality. Music involved in activism has allowed artists to inspire and motivate their fans to participate in social issues. Artists including Alanis Morrisette, Billie Eilish, and Kendrick Lamar have shared their struggles with mental health in their music, which has led to more discussions about prioritizing mental health and destigmatizing help-seeking behaviors.
One way to harness the therapeutic benefits of music includes creating playlists tailored to preferences, moods, or activities. A playlist with upbeat music can help boost motivation during a workout, while a playlist with slower melodies can aid in relaxation and stress relief. Creating music, songwriting, and singing can also harness the healing power of music. Regardless of language or cultural background, music has the power to evoke shared emotions and experiences and can provide a sense of unity, belonging, and hope. Through its therapeutic qualities, music continues to serve as a valuable tool for community, emotional healing, and personal growth.