Music has a great deal of power. Sometimes the right song can put into words
just how we are feeling when we can’t find the words to express it on our
own. Other times it can transport us to
another time in our life as a vivid reminder of a person, place or significant
memory. Music can even help boost
learning and memory. Think about it –
when you were little you learned how to memorize information by singing songs –
like the ABC song to memorize your alphabet.
Music has a proven, physiological effect on your brain. Music can bring comfort, relief,
understanding, and enjoyment. It can
help relieve stress, reduce anxiety, celebrate successes, and build
enthusiasm. (There are so many examples
of the impact that music has in our lives, but think about a big sporting event
and the music playing before the start of the game… it definitely serves a
purpose beyond just adding noise!) Sometimes
it is the tone, beat, or rhythm that impacts you and sometimes it will be the
words of the song which help motivate and lift you up.
Research has shown that most any type of music has the
potential to help lift your mood – it doesn’t have to be just soothing,
classical music like people will sometimes suggest. However, you know how songs impact you so try
to keep that in mind because if you are electing to listen to sad songs then
the impact of that is that it will likely take your mood down rather than
bolster it up.
People often share that they enjoy listening to or
performing music as a stress reliever or an escape from the moment and this is
great because music is a powerful tool that anyone can use. So how can you use music to help regulate
your mood?
When you are feeling down, don’t just listen to music that
matches your mood. I will be honest,
this can be tough. If you are feeling
really sad then just turning on a happy, upbeat song may annoy you and, if you’re
anything like me, result in you just turning the music off completely. So, rather than do that, make a play list of
music that can help shift your mood.
Maybe start with a song or two that matches your mood when you are down
and then gradually select songs that will lift you to a more positive
place. This will help you to not just
get frustrated and turn it off because the transition will be more
gradual. And, if you experiment with it
and find that you get to a song and it feels like a harsh jump, look at
changing the song order or remove that song from your “mood enhancing” playlist
completely. I will acknowledge that it
is typically better to try to create this type of a playlist in advance rather
than when you actually are in need of it to help lift your mood.
Additionally, remember that music impacts you beyond just
the moments that you are listening to the song.
After all, how many times later in the day or perhaps even days later do
you find yourself stuck silently singing the same song to yourself over and
over again. If it is a song that
encourages, uplifts and propels you forward that is much more beneficial to
your mood and overall well-being.
So go, enjoy getting lost in the music and I’d love to hear
what your best “go-to” upbeat and encouraging song is.
Also, here are two articles related to music that you might
like:
No comments:
Post a Comment