We all know that music has the power to influence our emotions, but did you know that this influence is now proven by scientific studies? The relationship between music and mental health is a subject that is attracting increasing interest from researchers. This article will help you discover how music can impact your mental well-being.
The therapeutic role of music
There is plenty of evidence that music can have a positive effect on our mental well-being, including in the treatment of anxiety or depressive disorders.
Studies have shown that listening to certain music can help reduce stress and anxiety in patients.
The impact on stress and anxiety
Several studies suggest that music can help manage and reduce stress and anxiety.
This could be explained in particular by the fact that music has beneficial effects on the regulation of stress hormones, such as cortisol.
A 2013 study found that people who listened to classical music for just 25 minutes experienced a significant decrease in their levels of stress and cortisol (the stress hormone) compared to participants who listened to nothing.
The influence on depression
Music may also have beneficial effects in treating depression. Certain soothing melodies help stimulate areas of the brain that produce feel-good neurotransmitters, such as dopamine.
Furthermore, the musical receptivity method is an innovative approach within the framework of therapies to treat depression through the specific use of music.
This therapy consists of using music to promote a state of relaxation and help the person feel betterwhile giving him the tools necessary to manage his symptoms on a daily basis.
Different musical genres and their influences on emotions
It’s important to note that not all genres of music have the same impact on our mental health.
Indeed, some music has a rather relaxing or stimulating effect, while others can be associated with negative emotions. Let’s discover some examples together:
- Classical music : it is often considered one of the most calming genres of music. It would thus be effective in reducing stress and anxiety.
- Jazz: this musical genre can also help soothe the mood and promote relaxation.
- Pop music : while some pop songs can put us in a good mood, others can provoke feelings of melancholy.
- Electronic music : This genre, often associated with parties and dancing, can have a stimulating effect, but could also be anxiety-inducing for some people.
- Sad music : Although listening to sad music can help us release our emotions, it can sometimes contribute to worsening our depressed state.
It is therefore crucial to choose the type of music that suits you, based on your mood and personal needs.
How to use music to support mental well-being
To make the most of the mental health benefits of music, here are some tips to consider:
- Opt for songs adapted to your needs: if you are looking to relax and reduce your stress, choose calm and soothing musical genres such as classical music or jazz.
- Listen to music carefully: Pay close attention to the lyrics and instruments used in a song. This can allow you to fully experience the emotional effect that this music arouses.
- Create specific playlists for different situations: create playlists for different times of the day (morning, work, evening) or for different types of activities (relaxation, sport, etc.).
- Learn to play a musical instrument: Several research suggests that playing a musical instrument can benefit our psychological well-being, increasing our self-esteem and providing us with a means of artistic expression.
- Practice meditation or yoga with appropriate music: some music promotes concentration and introspection. You can use them during your meditation or yoga sessions to improve your practice.
Several studies highlight the positive influence of music on our emotions and our mental health.
So why not take advantage of it and add a soundtrack to our daily lives?
