When we’re feeling down, stressed, or upset about different things going on in our lives, music tends to always find a way to make us feel better. Whether it’s learning how to play an instrument, seeing a live performance, or casually listening, there are mental health benefits to enjoying music in some capacity, and this article will show you exactly why.
It Augments Your Mood
Music has the ability to change how we are feeling at any given moment. For instance, you have sad, emotionally-driven pieces or upbeat music that makes you want to dance, feel motivated to work out, or release some aggression, just to name a few examples of this effect music can have on people.
Several different factors are responsible for this, such as the tempo, rhythm, key, and melodies, and this is why there are so many genres of music that people will develop personal preferences for.
It Brings People Together
Due to the variety of styles that are available, music is able to create the most diverse communities, and it gives people something to bond over.
This is especially apparent when attending a live concert of your favorite performer; everyone is there for the same reason and this can give a sense of connection that very few things out there can emulate. Even on a smaller scale, a couple of friends enjoying the same music together will most likely have a positive impact on how they feel.
It Encourages Creativity
The power of a creative outlet like music is something that shouldn’t be underestimated, and for millions of people around the world, it becomes a lifelong endeavor that brings years of joy.
Having a creative outlet gives people a way to express themselves and it can help them distract themselves from the stressors of ordinary life. Not only can this reduce anxiety, depression, and other mental disorders, it can also have a positive effect on your physical health too by decreasing blood pressure and stress hormones.
It Creates Goals
While creativity is one of the most significant benefits of learning music, it does take time and effort to get to the point where you can express yourself freely.
Setting realistic expectations and scheduling time to practice gives people something meaningful to work towards and achieve personal growth. With music, there are always things to strive for, and goals will continuously change as long as they keep learning and playing.
Music & Therapy
It’s important to note that even though music can have a profound effect on your mental health, it won’t solve all of your problems. However, music can definitely become a major part of the healing process and can be an excellent way to cope with difficult times and uplift your spirits.
When combined with professional assistance, music can help improve a person’s outcomes by helping them relax and focus on what’s important to them. A counselor or therapist, such as the ones found at MyTherapist can offer you additional coping and relaxation techniques to help you deal with the underlying issues that are creating distress in the first place.
If you’re looking to get even more involved, music therapy is also an option for people who may be interested in picking up an instrument while also addressing some of the emotional concerns they might be having. Music therapy is empirically supported, and it can be especially useful for individuals who have a hard time expressing themselves through words.
Conclusion
Just about everyone enjoys music, and hopefully, this article has shown you some reasons why it’s a universally-loved activity. Nonetheless, some people will appreciate it for different reasons than others and this is what makes it a powerful tool that connects others. Reading can also help increase your mental health.