When it comes to managing stress, anxiety, and other mental health issues, one simple thing that no one should overlook is music. Utilizing music for mental health is not only therapeutic, but it is also an incredibly easy and cost-effective way to reduce symptoms. Music has been linked to improved mood, lower stress levels, and increased relaxation, making it a powerful therapeutic tool.
The impact of music on mental health is not a mere assumption, either. Studies have shown the power of music’s ability to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and even improve brain functioning related to executive functioning, memory, and learning. Music can also boost your mood, increase empathy, and reduce depression symptoms.
So, how can you use music to improve your mental health and wellbeing? One simple way is to create a playlist of calming and uplifting tunes. This could include songs that you personally enjoy and find soothing, or it could be specifically designed to relax your mind. Research has found that certain types of music are naturally calming, such as classical, ambient, nature-inspired, progressive rock, chill out, or spiritual tunes.
If you’re struggling to create a relaxing playlist, there are plenty of resources online that provide ready-made soundtracks to soothe your mental health. It could be useful to test out a few before committing to one. Once you’ve found one that works for you, save it for future use – this will allow you to use it time and time again as an effective way to reduce stress and anxiety.
Alternatively, if you’d prefer to be more mindful and connected to your feelings, try creating soundscapes. Soundscapes can be used to journey deeper into your consciousness, connecting with the emotions or mental health related stories that are inside. For example, you could spend some time creating soundscapes based on specific memories or moments from your life. This could involve layering soundbites, beats, rhythms, and vocal elements for a personal experience.
No matter how you choose to use music to improve your mental health, keep it simple and cater it to your needs. Spend some time experimenting with different tunes and practices to see what helps to calm and uplift you the most. Listening to music can be an incredibly powerful tool to reduce stress and elevate mood, and do not underestimate its impact.