Can music improve your health and quality life?

Music can improve our mood, well-being and treatment for certain medical conditions.

The times are tough. Our feelings of security and quality of living are being affected by the current political climate, wars, global warming and systemic racism. We can all find moments to relax and temporarily divert our attention from the daily difficult news. Music can be a powerful tool for many people to make a shift.

What is the impact of music on our quality-of-life?

Researchers recently examined the impact of music interventions in health-related quality and life. They also tried to answer questions about how to best help people move toward relaxation, release and rehabilitation. The recent systematic review (a study that analyzed studies) revealed that music interventions, such as listening to music, singing and music therapy, can improve mental health and physical health. The researchers health that music interventions can have a positive effect on psychological quality of living, but they did not find a single "dose" or intervention of music which works for everyone.

Avoid chronic inflammation.

Scientists have proven that low-grade chronic inflammation can become a silent killer, contributing to heart disease, cancer, diabetes type 2 and other diseases. Harvard Medical School experts offer simple tips on how to combat inflammation and remain healthy.

Complexities in music

Our connection to music is very personal. We are complex beings with diverse cultures and life experiences, as well as mental and physical needs. Music can be an emotional, complex, and beautiful dance. It changes from moment to moment depending on our moods, preferences, social situations, and past experiences. Music can sometimes have an immediate and clear impact on our wellbeing:

A soothing playlist can help you transition from day to night.

Listening to dance music can motivate you to exercise

Singing can help you express your emotions.

Attending a live music performance is a great way to connect with others.

A board-certified music therapy can also help you to build that connection with music and determine the best "dose" and intervention that will positively impact your health.

What can music do as a therapy tool?

Music therapy is a well-established health care profession which uses music interventions that are evidence-based to achieve therapeutic health goals. Music therapy is a collaboration between a board certified music therapist and the patient, their family and caregivers.

Music therapists create goals for health and wellbeing by using both active and receptive interventions (such as singing, instrument exploration, songwriting and movement, or digital music creation) and creating playlists, music listening, guided images with music and music conversation.

Among the goals that music can help you achieve are decreasing anxiety, changing your mood, reducing pain perception when you're undergoing cancer treatment or another medical procedure, increasing expression, finding inspiration, and more. Music can be used to improve your life and achieve these goals. A music therapist will help you determine what is best for the situation.

Music therapy: My favorite tools

Listening

In almost all scenarios, this intervention has been the most studied. You can do it on your own, or with music therapy. Music can be recorded or live. You can listen with a focus on the music or in background. You can amplify emotions to release. Music can be used to calm the mind. You can also use the "iso" principle to match music with your mood or energy, then change tempo and feel to help you shift. Music can be used to relax, motivate you to move more or exercise or complete a task that you have been putting off.

Learn to play an instrument

Music that is actively played engages the entire brain. It is the best way to distract, reduce pain, improve cognition, develop gross and fine motor skills, and express yourself. Some instruments have been designed to make it easier for children to express themselves or learn.

Steel tongue drums, such as those set up in pentatonic, have a beautiful sound and no "wrong" notes. They are designed to allow you to play. Try learning to play the ukulele if you're looking for a way to stimulate your brain. There are many ukulele resources available online. The strings are easy and beginners only need to use one or two health. Music can be easy and fun to make with an instrument.

Music therapists who are board certified can guide you to the best path for musical expression. It takes patience and practice to learn how to read music and master an instrument.

Singing

If you are connected to your voice or have a strong music therapy relationship, the therapist will be able to help you develop your connection with your instrument. Singing can have physical and emotional benefits. It improves lung function. There is also the power and community connection of being surrounded by tight, strong harmonies.