Music isn’t just a backdrop to our lives—it’s a powerful force that shapes our emotions, memories, and well-being. Music profoundly impacts mental health, whether it’s the joy of a favorite song, the comfort of a soothing melody, or the memories associated with an album. Here’s how science explains this connection and how you can harness it for your well-being.
Music reduces stress and anxiety!
Listening to music can significantly lower cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone. Just 15 minutes of listening to calming tunes can promote relaxation and reduce anxiety levels.
Music is a mood booster and can alleviate depression!
Music stimulates the release of dopamine and serotonin, neurotransmitters associated with pleasure and happiness. Studies have shown that music-based interventions can reduce depressive symptoms and improve emotional well-being.
Music can improve cognitive functioning!
Engaging with music, whether by listening or playing an instrument, activates various brain regions involved in thinking, sensation, movement, and emotion. This stimulation can improve attention, memory, and overall cognitive function.
Music improves sleep quality!
Listening to soothing music before bedtime can help slow your heart rate and breathing, making it easier to fall asleep and enjoy deeper, more restful sleep.
Music fosters social connections!
Participating in group musical activities, such as choirs, bands or ensembles, can increase social bonds and provide a sense of community. These interactions can boost self-esteem and reduce feelings of loneliness.
Music supports emotional regulation!
Engaging with music can enhance emotional intelligence by activating brain regions involved in emotional processing. This can improve mood regulation and increase management of emotions.
Music can be used as therapy!
Music therapy has been used to address various health care goals, including decreasing anxiety, shifting mood, and improving quality of life. Certified music therapists create and tailor interventions to individual needs, making music a versatile tool in mental health care.
Incorporating Music into Your Routine
To get the mental health benefits of music:
- Create Playlists: Curate playlists that match your mood or desired emotional state. (Feel free to check out some of my wild playlists on Spotify here…)
- Learn an Instrument: Playing an instrument can provide a sense of accomplishment and boost self-esteem. (You’re most likely not gonna be good at first and that’s okay! Practice makes perfect.)
- Attend Live Performances: Experiencing music in a live setting can enhance emotional well-being and make you feel like you’re part of a community. (I always endorse going to live shows even if you go by yourself, who knows? Maybe you’ll meet someone new!)
- Practice Mindful Listening: Focus on the music and reflect on how you’re feeling throughout each song. Does this song make you feel happy? relaxed? totally jazzed?
Remember, the key is to choose music that resonates with you! We all have different tastes and what is relaxing to me, might not be relaxing for you. The right tune can be a powerful ally in maintaining and enhancing your mental health.
As always…
Stay fabulous,
Jenna Leigh Berry
Sources:
Music Institute of Chicago. (n.d.). Music & self-care: How music benefits mental health. Retrieved April 26, 2025, from https://www.musicinst.org/news/music-self-care-how-music-benefits-mental-health
AARP. (2020). How music helps with mental health. Retrieved April 26, 2025, from https://www.aarp.org/health/brain-health/info-2020/music-mental-health.html
Beautiful Soul Counseling. (n.d.). How music benefits mental health. Retrieved April 26, 2025, from https://beautifulsoulcounseling.com/how-music-benefits-mental-health
Toxigon. (n.d.). How music affects mental health. Retrieved April 26, 2025, from https://toxigon.com/how-music-affects-mental-health
Harvard Health Publishing. (2022, July 25). Can music improve our health and quality of life? Retrieved April 26, 2025, from https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/can-music-improve-our-health-and-quality-of-life-202207252786
Park, A. (2023, April 13). How music affects your brain. TIME. Retrieved April 26, 2025, from https://time.com/6275519/how-music-affects-your-brain
Rhodes, J. (2024, January 18). James Rhodes on prescribing music for mental health. Financial Times. Retrieved April 26, 2025, from https://www.ft.com/content/17229d39-49df-4965-a913-ef32272cdcf1
The Daily Telegraph. (n.d.). Health benefits of arts and culture. Retrieved April 26, 2025, from https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/lifestyle/health-benefits-of-arts-and-culture/news-story/29cecba7a46efb51521cabea4d90198b