12 Days of Self-Care: Day 9

Listen to music with an intention for the mind, body, and soul

Written by Brandi McMurry

Photo by Ricardo Gomez Angel on Unsplash

“Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything.” ― Plato

Music is a nostalgic experience for me. When I hear a song it brings me back to a different time in my life, and I think time-traveling for me is possible through music.

A certain song will bring me back to my youth. And I am right there in the kitchen with my Mom as she washes dishes, or my Dad jamming with his friends. I’m transported to a school bus commuting to a speech and debate tournament, or in the choir room preparing for our upcoming performance. I’m in college singing my heart out at karaoke way too late, sick the next day. I’m with friends. Warm and loved. And having fun. Music is connected to our emotional memory and can increase dopamine levels.

On the ninth day of self-care, music is on the agenda.

Ways to use music as therapy

Photo by Holly Lamprich

• Destress. After a long day at work, it is important to cut cords, making sure not to bring unwanted stress, tension, or negativity into your home. Music can help lift your mood to feel better. Try making a playlist of your favorite songs to lift your mood specifically for your “I am having a bad day,” occasion. My go-to album is Fleetwood Mac’s Greatest Hits. It is perfect in my opinion. I love belting along to every song on the album. It puts me in my “feel good” zone every time I listen.

• Use a slow tempo to calm your nerves. Researchers at Stanford University report that, “studies indicate that music around 60 beats per minute can cause the brain to synchronize with the beat causing alpha brainwaves (frequencies from 8–14 hertz or cycles per second). This alpha brainwave is what is present when we are relaxed and conscious… listening to music seems to be able to change brain functioning to the same extent as medication.”

• Make your own music, play an instrument. Studies show that playing an instrument literally makes you smarter. Brain scans show that the corpus callosum, a massive bundle of nerve fibers connecting the two sides of the brain, is larger in musicians and that the gray matter in musicians is increased in volume compared to people who do not play instruments.

Music can take on a life of its own. Studies show that listening and composing music is emotionally therapeutic at any age. It can improve memory and reading skills, strengthen friendships and connections among peers, and has even been proven to help stroke patients recover cognitive function.

“Music can change the world.” — Ludwig van Beethoven

Sources:

www.unr.edu

https://www.inc.com/john-rampton/the-benefits-of-playing-music-help-your-brain-more.html