The Magic of Music on Your Mental Health

Magic is real and it goes by a different name; music. In a world of ever-growing sources of depression, stress and anxiety there are few ways quite as efficient at regulating or controlling the lows of these conditions as getting lost in an album. It is a tried and tested method spanning humanity’s entire history. Now, to be clear; music is not a cure for these things. Some might claim it is and maybe it has been for them but the fact is that the sources for your struggles still exist whether you listen to music or not (unless you are feeling this way because of a lack of music). What it can do though is influence your thoughts and feelings, even if only temporarily and that is a massive psychological boon. If used right, music can have an almost magic effect on managing your mental health.

Motivation

Lack of motivation is a common side effect of a number of conditions including anxiety, stress and depression. It frequently occurs when we are overwhelmed and impacts our ability to function.

Truth be told, you won’t find me at the gym working out. I’m way too busy for that! If I’m going to stay healthy then I’d rather do it in a natural environment or by walking. However, when there is writing to be done, a house to manage and little people who need me to get on; it can be difficult to find the motivation to go out. The thing is, not doing so can make me less productive for the jobs that need doing too.

A little fresh air and getting physical can be magic to your motivation (and therefore your mental health); the key to managing this is a fast-paced playlist on the music device of your choice (probably your phone).

Stress

We all fight stress on varying levels every day. Some of us manage and some or us struggle but everyone will find themselves overwhelmed by it at one stage or another.

Taking some time to stick on a headset and listen to something soothing and relaxing will do wonders for your mental wellbeing. For me; I tend to find it eases the stress of travelling long distances, working to tough deadlines and getting up when I know the day ahead will be problematic.

Mood

Music therapy is a popular way of tackling anxiety and depression. The reason for this is that studies have shown that it usually calms patients and puts them in a good state of mind. At the very least though, there are no negative side effects. So, there is nothing to lose. Making it a perfect starting point to treatment.

This is not surprising, of course. From personal experience the right song can arouse all kinds of emotions. Happiness, sorrow, anger or the will to just get up and fight back against life. So, having a playlist with your favourite songs of whatever mood can be the perfect way to get you in the right headspace.

Sleep

Sleep deprevation sucks. It is one of the biggest catalysts for mental health meltdowns in people of all ages. So much of our natural rhythm is regulated by consistent and meaningful sleep. When this doesn’t happen, we enter a very bad spiral or thoughts and emotions.

Very few choose not to sleep and those who do correct it sooner or later. Whist music can’t help you if the reason for your lack of sleep is external to yourself; it is proven to help with insomnia and other similar conditions. With no negative effects, it is at least worth a try. Classical or instrumental tends to be the way to go, it might take a while to find the perfect volume for you too.