With the COVID-19 situation continuing to push us further – socially, physically, and mentally – it’s no surprise that many of us are struggling with the isolation, even those who are lucky enough to be with family. And while social distancing is still a critical tool in our ability to fight the virus, it’s also important to pause and take a look at our own mental health.
One way for us to take care of ourselves in this way is to listen to music. What is that one song that makes you happy – in an instant? One you just can’t help but sing along with? Chance are it brings up positive memories, perhaps about a person, place, or time that is special to you.
The fact is, listening to music is scientifically proven to impact the brain and lift our mood and spirits, which makes it the ideal tool for fighting coronavirus stress. Here’s how!
Dopamine – The Happy Hormone
A study conducted as recently as 2019 has shown that music aids and promotes the release of a hormone called dopamine into the synapses of the brain. Dopamine is a particular kind of hormone called a “neurotransmitter,” and it plays a critical role in our cognitive, emotional, and behavioural functioning.
Sometimes called the “happy hormone,” dopamine actually helps you experience happiness and pleasure. We’ve known for a long time that music can help improve mood, and now we have more and more evidence that is also helps improve both mental and physical health!
Controlling & Reducing Stress with Music
Another study, published in 2013 by McGill University, found that music can not only improve dopamine levels, it also helps reduce stress significantly! Music can even help improve the immune system and reduce anxiety for patients preparing for surgery.
Another way to use music to help reduce your stress (even if you’re not going for surgery!), is with meditation. If this is an activity you’d like to try, it’s recommended that you use music with a slower tempo and without lyrics. Music of this kind, when used intentionally, can actually lower your blood pressure and slow your breathing, so be sure to listen to something that is soft, slow, and pleasing.
If you’re having trouble with stress or anxiety, try starting out with music that is a bit faster and louder to match your mental state, and slowly lower the speed and volume of your selection as you listen. It can be helpful to build a playlist specifically for when you are feeling stressed – just press “play” and breathe!
According to musical therapist Jessica Harris, “Every person responds to music differently… Certain types of music can evoke memories and have a physiological effect; lowering the heart rate and therefore reducing stress.” And she sees the positive impact of her music on a daily basis. “The benefits can impact someone’s life on every level – social, emotional, spiritual and physical,” she says.
Supporting Our Elders
As our older generations are at a higher risk when it comes to the dangers of COVID-19, it’s important that we support them through this period of isolation. Music is a wonderful tool in this effort, and it is a fantastic way to relax and pass the time.
What’s more, music has even been linked to improved mental ability in patients with Alzheimer’s and dementia. This is thanks to certain, key areas of the brain that remain untouched despite the Alzheimer’s – areas of the brain that can be activated by their favourite music! From there, it’s not hard to see how music can help reduce stress, anxiety, and agitation in those with this condition.
“Some of the benefits for Alzheimer’s and dementia sufferers include improvements that affect their quality of life,” says Harris. “These could be through music’s social impact, stress-reducing qualities, or what’s known is the ‘quickening’ effect, which is a return to aspects of self-actualization, identity and cognition.”
Tips for the Ultimate Experience
When using music to relax and de-stress, it’s a great idea to set up your atmosphere for an optimal listening experience. That may mean dimming the lights, setting the room’s temperature just right, turning your phone off, finding a comfortable position, and minimizing all outside distractions.
You might add to the experience with items to stimulate your other senses, like candles, lotions, or a heated blanket.
It’s also wise to stick to music you already know you like; listening to Bach when you don’t like classical music won’t help you. In fact, there is no right or wrong way to do this! It all comes down to your preferences and musical selection, and no genre works universally, so listen to what you enjoy!
Music Therapy vs Using Music Therapeutically
It’s important to remember that music therapy is the use of musical interventions to reach individualized goals within the framework of a therapeutic relationship with a credentialed professional. It is clinical and evidence-based and requires that the therapist has completed an approved music therapy program.
Board-Certified Music Therapists (MT-BC) use live music – as research has shown live music works best when working on specific needs – very intentionally, using specific techniques and interventions tailored towards each person’s goals and care.
Using music therapeutically at home is a powerful tool to help control your stress, especially during our current pandemic-induced state of affairs. But it is important to keep in mind the differences between using music to control your mood and stress, and using music in a therapy setting to reach specific mental health goals.
So, whether you’re living alone, or have young family or elder parents with you, why not throw on some music to help everyone relax? Kids love to sing along, while grownups may find it helps them connect and feel less anxious about the world around them.
Looking to add more music to your life? Check out The Music Studio’s extensive selection of online lessons and classes! We’re offering everything from children’s classes, to all-skill level adult programs, and even a virtual seniors connecting through music program! It’s never too late, sign up today!
