Music is deeply ingrained into humanity and has been for as long as anyone can remember. We use it to tell stories, express emotions, celebrate occasions, and create bonds. You can find it in every culture across the globe and it has the ability to span generations. Countless psychologists have tried to understand the relationship between the human psyche and music: why we create it, why it makes us feel so intensely, the difference in how we perceive it, and much more.
One area in this field with a long history is music therapy. This is when music is used to treat a variety of both physical and psychological disorders including strokes, heart disease, anxiety, insomnia, and substance dependency. This type of therapy is often geared towards the individual, and involves a great deal of improvisation and creation (including songwriting).
"We use it to tell stories, express emotions, celebrate occasions, and create bonds"
But what if you don't have the opportunity to visit a music therapist? Can music still help you with your issues? The answer is yes, and here's how...
1) It Makes you Feel Good On a Chemical Level
Many psychologists believe our mood is dictated by the chemicals in our brain. This means we might feel down and not be sure why or what we can do to make ourselves feel better. Studies have found music has the ability to release dopamine, the chemical that puts us in a good mood. Researchers discovered that dopamine levels rose 9% on average, proving that music has can have a direct impact on our mood.
2) It's Cathartic
Isn't it strange that when we're sad we want to listen to sad music? Well actually not as strange as you might think. The famous Greek philosopher Aristotle wrote a great deal about the notion of catharsis, which in simple terms means to purge yourself of emotions through art, resulting in a feeling of peace and restoration. In Aristotle's day this would've meant watching a tragedy at the theatre; for our generation it means blaring the latest Coldplay or Adele album.
Music can help us process and understand our emotions, giving us the release we need and helping to avoid bottling up our feelings. So next time you have a bad day, get that sad song playlist on and grab the tissues.
"(Catharsis) in simple terms means to purge yourself of emotions through art, resulting in a feeling of peace"
Another way in which music can help us is to aid in relaxation, and we're not just talking about new age pan pipe albums. Many people find playing and listening to music a relaxing experience - think about getting a professional massage or meditation, both usually have musical elements to assist in creating a calm atmosphere. Listening to a relaxing album before bed can ease sleep and quiet our thoughts, so think about building a pre-slumber playlist if your brain has a habit of overthinking before bed.
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| The best slumber involves a singing sheep...apparently |
4) It Can Make you Feel Less Isolated
The process of listening to music makes us feel less isolated because we can empathise with the lyricist or the emotion behind the song. Songs are like modern poetry, they tend to be more outwardly emotive and people feel more comfortable expressing themselves through this medium. Not only that, music can open social circles (going to gigs, speaking to others on social media who have similar interests) and show us hundreds if not thousands of others feel just like we do.
4) Helps to Stimulate Creativity
Writing is generally encouraged as an activity to help with many types of mental illness, and songwriting is just as effective. Many people are more at ease expressing their thoughts on paper than in person, and writing songs is a great outlet. Having this creative channel can be a huge blessing, even if you're never intending on performing it for anyone other than your cat.
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| Warning - may cause negative reaction from feline |
5) It Motivates
Finally music can be a great motivator - think about how many people have dedicated workout playlists. Kicking of your morning with a positive song can change your energy immediately, so compile a positive playlist to invigorate and motivate your day right from the start.
Kimberley Parker
The Lions Barber Collective has made a commitment to removing the stigma associated with mental illness and to encourage men to #manupandtalk. For more information about our projects and to get involved visit our website and like us on Facebook
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