Research shows that music can energize the body, lower stress hormones and improve immune system function. It can also make people feel better emotionally and boost their psychological well-being.
However, it’s important to note that these correlational associations may not be causal (e.g., musicians may be at higher risk for internalizing problems). Further study is needed to disentangle these relationships.
Music is a form of Meditation
Music is a form of meditation in that it can be used to help you calm down and focus on the present moment. Whether it’s the beat of a mellow drum solo or the melody of an old-school ballad, there is something about listening to music that draws us in. Music can be meditative in the sense that it forces you to listen closely for the duration of an entire song, which requires active engagement and full attention. This is similar to the goal of mindfulness meditation, which is a form of mental health therapy that involves focusing on the present moment.
Listening to music can improve your mood, but it also can have negative impacts on your mental health if it’s used as a way to vent anger and frustration. Some studies show that a person’s use of music for emotional discharge is associated with depression, anxiety and stress symptoms, and that “unhealthy” uses of music (e.g., listening to sad songs) are associated with lower well-being, happiness, and school satisfaction.
Despite this, most people can attest to the positive effects of music. Whether you are feeling uplifted after listening to your favorite song or crying over that one track that reminds you of a past relationship, there is something about the way music connects with us emotionally that feels universal.
Music can reduce stress
Musical experiences can boost the connection between your left and right brains, which helps you focus and unwind. It can also foster a sense of community, whether you play in a band or just enjoy listening to your favorite songs. And research shows that playing music, or at least practicing to learn an instrument, can improve the mood of people who suffer from depression and anxiety.
Music is a powerful tool for emotional self-regulation, and it may even moderate the association between neuroticism and depression. Correlational studies have shown that people who regularly engage with music tend to have lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol.
But while matching your music to your mood is a useful way to relax, it can be dangerous if you’re stuck in negative emotional states for too long. “Music is so potent that it can keep you in a particular emotional state if you’re not careful,” says Hanser.
Music can help you move on from the past and cope with fears about the future. But if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the cortisol-provoking sounds of daily life, try shifting to instrumental music or a calm voice.
Music can help you heal
The 2020 AARP Music and Brain Health Survey found that people who regularly listen to music report better emotional well-being than those who don’t. This is partly because the music stimulates different parts of the brain, including the putamen area, which processes rhythm and regulates movement and coordination, according to a study published in Scientific Reports.
Adding to that, the lyrical aspect of music is a more effective way to communicate feelings than spoken words. It’s easier to express trauma and stress in musical form, allowing patients to process their experiences on a deeper level. This can also be helpful for those suffering from a mental illness like depression or anxiety.
As we’ve talked about before, music can help strengthen the connection between the left and right hemispheres of the brain. Moreover, the white matter that connects these areas is thicker in musicians, likely because they engage their brains so much when practicing their instrument.
To take advantage of this, try listening to a song or band that makes you feel happy or calm. You can even create a mood playlist and slowly shift your choices so that the music reflects your feelings and takes you to a happier or more relaxed place. This is a popular technique used by music therapists to help their clients heal.
Music can give you a break
Whether you’re listening to music or playing in a band, music can create a sense of community and connection. Being part of a musical group can improve the connection between your left and right brain, which is also good for your mental health. In addition, it can provide a social outlet and help you develop self-confidence.
Many studies have found that music engagement is associated with emotional well-being and higher levels of emotional competence. For instance, a study of more than 8000 Swedish twins found that hours spent practicing and self-reported music achievement were associated with higher levels of emotional competence. In addition, a meta-ethnography of 46 qualitative studies found that musical activities were often used for managing emotions, enhancing moods, and providing respite from daily stressors.
Some studies have shown that people who listen to relaxing music recover from psychological stress faster than those who don’t. Other research has found that if you try to focus your attention on a particular aspect of the music (for example, specific lyrics or instruments) it can help reduce your level of anxiety.
Music can be a great way to regulate and shift your emotions, but it’s not a substitute for treatment for serious mental health issues. If you’re struggling with depression or an eating disorder, talk to a mental health professional. You can even find online support through BetterHelp, an app designed to connect you with a licensed therapist.
