How to Boost Your Mental Health with Music
Are you an EDM fan? Maybe you’re more of a pop music aficionado. Perhaps good, old-fashioned rock n’ roll is your style. It doesn’t matter what genre you favor, music can be a powerful mental health tool and a creative outlet.
Studies have shown that music boosts moods, reduces stress, and releases emotions. But just how does it help us? Some of the most common ways music can give us a boost in our everyday life include:
- Focus – Music with a tempo that is 60 beats per minute or higher can increase the processing speed of our brains.
- Creativity – Trying to think innovatively? Listening to tunes can help you come up with new solutions or different perspectives.
- Social Connection – Relating to the message or feeling of music can increase feelings of connection. It’s also a great common ground to make new friends.
- Communication – When you’re having trouble expressing yourself, creating music can help you come up with what to say.
- Relaxation – Choosing soft and comforting music can increase feelings of relaxation and calmness.
- Productivity Boost – Looking for a boost of motivation to exercise or Spring clean? Playing songs that you love can be just the thing you need.
Ways to Use Music for Mental Health
1. Make Playlists for Your Different Moods
Listening to songs that aligned with the way you’re feeling can get you through a lot. Create the perfect background music for any situation by building playlists for yourself based on things like time of day, weather, household activities, holidays, or a current feeling. This is also a great way to discover new music that you love!
2. Take Up an Instrument
If you have extra time on your hands, you can take up an instrument and teach yourself how to play! It’s a great way to exercise the brain, relieve stress, and boost your mood.
It doesn’t have to be expensive either; you can find used instruments and free lessons on the internet. For example, you could research the best used cymbals and find beginner drum lessons on YouTube to get started. Before you know it, you’ll be a home-made musician!
3. Dance It Out
Put thinking on the back burner and get your emotions out physically by dancing to your favorite songs. You’ll get your heart rate up, get some cardio in, and feel revived after a short living room dance session. Be sure to turn the music up for a real dance party feel!
4. Try Your Hand at Songwriting
Looking for new creative outlets? While you may have never thought about it before, songwriting can be a fun way to express yourself and explore your musical inclinations.
Don’t be intimidated – start by creating a poem and then try to find a tune to set it to. It doesn’t have to be great and you don’t need to show anyone; this is just an exercise for you. If you end up loving it and wanting to share with the world, even better!
5. Share Music with Friends
Music is a great way to connect with friends and loved ones. When you share tunes you love with someone else, it gives them a unique perspective as to who you are and lets them get to know you on a deeper level. Create a new tradition of sharing music with your friends once a week and keep each other updated on what you’re listening to. You might even discover your new favorite song!
Wrap Up
Music can be therapeutic, motivating, inspiring, reassuring, relaxing, or whatever you need it to be for you. If you’re looking for new ways to incorporate music into your life for boosted mental and emotional wellbeing, we hope you’ll try some of our suggestions above!
