The Healing Power of Music

Take a moment to picture a scenario. You’ve just experienced an incredibly tough day at work—one of those days that leaves you feeling utterly drained and miserable. You might feel like curling up into a ball and vegged on the couch, watching whatever you find, and try to erase the day from your memory.

However, you can’t afford to do that because there are pressing responsibilities waiting for you: debts to manage, dinner to prepare, and a house that’s in disarray. On top of all this, you had planned to exercise tonight! Wow, that is enough to make anyone just not do anything at all!

For many people, this overwhelming weight of stress would be too much to bear, and they would likely end up curled on the couch in a fetal position regardless.

But instead, you decide to put on your headphones and listen to your favorite music. The song is upbeat and energizing, reminding you of happier times and carrying lyrics that inspire you to face any challenge. Suddenly, you feel revitalized and ready to tackle your tasks.
For example, my son loves the music that is played while you are playing a video game. The music moves you and it has been said that it helps keeping you playing the game.
Myself? My taste of music ranges from Beethoven to country to some pop music. I have types of music I will not listen to on its own but I will have to say I like country rap but only when Jelly Roll is doing it. 😀 Sorry, don’t hate on me, but I am not a Swifty.. lol

This is the remarkable healing power of music! But what exactly just took place? It’s not simply that you enjoyed the music and that it boosted your mood. Music can actually stimulate the release of certain chemicals in the brain. Numerous studies have shown that listening to music can lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol, especially when the music is lively and upbeat.

“I think music in itself is healing. It’s an explosive expression of humanity. It’s something we are all touched by. No matter what culture we’re from, everyone loves music.” – Billy Joel

Additionally, music can promote the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter linked to pleasure and emotional highs. While the exact reasons behind this are still unclear, it may relate to how rhythm and pitch influence brainwave patterns.
For anyone seeking a form of self-care to lift their spirits, a well-chosen piece of music might be exactly what’s needed.

But Here Is The Challenge

The challenge, however, is that many people tend to listen to music that reflects their current mood rather than improving it. For example, when feeling down, it’s common to gravitate toward sad songs because upbeat music might feel out of place or even jarring.

One effective approach to overcome this is to select music that begins with a slow tempo and a slightly melancholic tone but gradually increases in speed and brightness until it reaches a joyful climax. This progression can help elevate your mood step by step. That doesn’t mean you have to change your music choices, just choose a singer with a more upbeat to their songs.

That said, research also indicates that sad music can have a cathartic effect when you’re feeling low, providing emotional release and comfort. But when you need to get a lot done? Find music you can move to, when working on one of the many projects you need to do get done. I put a headphones while I am watering my garden, I time the amount of water each pot of plants get by the number of songs. It helps me remember how many pots I need to water, and when headphones on? It comes peaceful, like I am in my own little world.

So, whatever emotions you need to experience, take a moment to close your eyes, lay back on the couch, put on your headphones, and let the music carry you away.