6 Reasons Why Music is Good for Your Mental Health
Lots of us struggle with our mental health, and sometimes it can seem as though nothing we do can help improve it. However, there are some things we can do to help improve our mental health. One example of this is listening to or playing music.
Music has been shown to induce a strong emotional reaction, boost your mood and fend off depression. Research has also shown that listening to or playing music can also improve blood flow, ease pain and lower the number of stress-related hormones in our body. If you want to learn more about how music can improve your mental health, then keep reading below:
1. It Can Help You to Express Your Feelings
Lots of us live stressful lives. Research has shown that people who feel low in mood are more likely to listen to the lyrics of songs than those who don’t. They are also more likely to compare themselves to the lyrics they’re listening to. Listening to the lyrics in these songs will allow you to understand your feelings and be able to express them easier.
Not only can you express your feelings by listening to music, but you can also do it by playing or composing music yourself. Many of the songs we love and relate to were created by artists who were expressing their feelings. Research has shown that people who are able to express their feelings are more likely to have better mental health.
Why not have a go at creating your own music? You simply need to book a session in London at a London rehearsal studio. These studios are the perfect place for you to express your feelings and let your creativity flow. Pirate Studios are open 24/7 and come complete with all the professional gear you need to get started.
2. It Can Help You Focus
Most of us find ourselves getting distracted at times throughout the day. If you’re trying to concentrate on a task and you want to avoid distractions, then listening to music is a great option for you. There are lots of amazing playlists available that have been created to help you focus on the tasks you’re completing. The most common type of music used in these playlists is orchestral or instrumental. Lyrics are rarely used in these playlists as they distract your mind and stop you from focusing on the task you’re completing.
3. It Can Help You to Relax
Most of us struggle to find time in the day to relax. There is always something that we need to do, and often very little time in which to do it. Because of this, many of us find ourselves feeling overwhelmed on a daily basis. If you find yourself in this situation, then listening to music could help. Turning your favourite playlist on whenever you feel overwhelmed will help your mind and body feel more at ease.
4. It Can Improve Your Mood
Music has been shown to help with a number of mental health conditions, including dementia, depression and autism. If you often feel low in mood or you feel hopeless, music may be able to help you. Research has also suggested that listening to or creating music can help improve your responsiveness to mental health medication.
5. It Can Increase Motivation
We all have to do things that we don’t enjoy or we don’t look forward to. This can be anything from cleaning the bathroom to going shopping. If you’re struggling to find the motivation to complete these tasks, then why not try listening to some upbeat music? Music with a consistent beat will help to regulate your breathing and your heartbeat, which will allow you to concentrate on your tasks and will, therefore, increase your motivation levels.
6. It Can Reduce Anxiety
As we’ve already said above, listening to our favourite songs can help us to feel happier. But, did you know that it can also help reduce anxiety? Research has shown that people who listen to music while revising for an exam are much less likely to be anxious than those who don’t. So, if you’re feeling anxious or your worried about an upcoming event, then why not try listening to your favourite playlist to see if it can help?
Many of us suffer with our mental health, but there are some things we can do to try and improve it. One of the best ways you can improve your mental health is by listening to or creating music. Research has found that listening to music can help to increase the amount of dopamine in our brain. Dopamine is a chemical that can make us feel good. In fact, listening to music can increase dopamine levels by up to 9%.
There are lots of reasons why listening to or creating music is good for your mental health. Not only does it allow you to express yourself, but it can also help you to relax. Why not find out more ways in which music can help improve your mental health?