EXPLORE MUSIC TO CHANGE YOUR MOOD

A growing body of research shows that music can impact our mental health, so Emma says we should take advantage of it

Few things stimulate the brain more than music, so you can harness these benefits for you and your family. A recent review of 26 studies found that music provides a clinically significant boost to mental health, whether people played an instrument, sang, or listened to music. Other research has shown that listening to music can reduce anxiety, blood pressure and pain, as well as improve sleep, mood, alertness, and memory. Different genres affect different areas of your brain, so listen to new styles, ask for recommendations and notice how the beat, words and melody make you feel. When you come across something that makes you feel upbeat and positive or relaxed, add it to a relevant playlist. If you have kids, use music to help them relax and focus, as along with increasing dopamine levels, which gives a sense of contentment, it also taps into their unconscious attention system, reducing behavioural issues. During homework time, avoid energetic pop or rock which will make them want to move. Music without lyrics and with more repetitive beats are best. Music therapy also benefits children, teens, adults, and the elderly with mental health needs, those experiencing developmental and learning disabilities, through to people struggling with dependency issues or chronic pain, so it’s worth looking into (bamt.org). Instead of thinking of music as pure entertainment, consider some of the major mental benefits of incorporating music into your everyday life, and you may be pleasantly surprised by the positive results.