When you listen to a certain song, does it bring up a memory or some feelings that you associate with that song? We all have different music interests or perhaps none but music has the ability to affect your heartbeat, breathing patterns, blood pressure and more. Fast-tempo music increases your breathing pattern, heartbeat while slower music tends to have the opposite effect. Music is very beneficial and in my opinion, essential for one's lifestyle. It reduces stress and anxiety, improves mood and memory and it provides comfort to yourself.
We all have certain stressbusters but it is scientifically proven that music is a universal stressbuster. Relaxing music which is a slow tempo, soft sounds and no lyrics has proven to significantly reduce stress for people undergoing surgeries such as heart, brain and more. In studies of people with cancer, listening to music combined with standard care reduced anxiety compared to those who received standard care alone.
Our mental health is also affected by listening to music. Studies show that just listening to your comfort music refines your overall well-being, helps regulate emotions and creates happiness and relaxation in your everyday life. It also improves your memories and has the opportunity to create new ones. Research has shown that the repetitive elements of rhythm and melody help our brains form patterns that enhance memory. Many songs can be linked to personal memories. For example, my parents and I do not share the same song interests but Heat Waves by Glass Animals is one song that we enjoy listening to a lot. When I listen to that particular song, I remember the smiles and laughter on our faces as we bob our heads to the beat.
Lastly, music provides us comfort. As music has the power and ability to alter our emotions and moods, we choose what to listen to when to feel comfortable. My comfort music is western folk music because of the soft and melodious guitar and the small but powerful lyrics. It makes me feel calm and helps me to let go of all my worries to have a clear mind. Music therapy has also been used to help enhance communication, coping, and expression of feelings such as fear, loneliness, and anger in patients who have a serious illness, and who are in end-of-life care.
Music influences what we do when we are listening to it. We don’t need to play an instrument or make music to understand its importance. Even just listening to music, it can help many ill patients and can relieve us of stress. We would be more comfortable if we just played our preferred choice of music. It has the power to alter our emotions and moods. Music is meant for appreciation. Music is meant for presence of mind. Music helps us to be in the moment and be clear about our feelings. We are more aware of our emotions when we are listening to music and we understand what is happening in the moment. These are music’s benefits.
