Music & Wellbeing
This week I am unashamedly sharing an excellent article written by Dr Hazel Harrison on Music and Wellbeing. Here at LCS we are very aware of the transformational power of music and the benefits we appreciate from having such a musical community. However, it's good to have the science to back up our experiences, as Dr Harrison tells us:
Music holds a significant place in bolstering wellbeing, contributing to mood enhancement, fostering social connections and alleviating feelings of isolation and stress. Music can trigger the release of positive chemicals in the body, similar to the effects of physical exercise.
Therapists often integrate music into relaxation and healing techniques to promote emotional and physical wellbeing. Listening to music can reduce stress by influencing both our physiological and emotional responses. Stress triggers the release of hormones like cortisol, which can lead to various health issues if prolonged. Music has been found to lower heart rate and cortisol levels, release endorphins and distract from stressors, thereby reducing stress-related symptoms.
For students revising for exams, listening to music can enhance focus, particularly on complex tasks, and improve the brain's capacity to remember information and establish connections. However, listening to music doesn’t always help with revision, some researchers suggest music without lyrics and music that puts you in a good mood are most likely to be beneficial for studying.
How about trying a musical mindfulness activity?
Pick a song to focus on: Listen carefully to the words
- What is the song about?
- What emotions and meaning is the artist trying to convey?
Listen carefully to the beat
- Can you count them?
- Could you tap along to it?
- How fast or slow is the song?
Listen to a single instrument that you can hear in the song
- Is there a drum, a violin, a piano, a guitar?
- Can you hear the notes it is playing?
- How does the melody change over time?
Where can I learn more?
An article: A Review of the Literature on the Relationship of Music Education to the Development of Socio-Emotional Learning - Judit Varadi
A book: Wellness, Wellplayed: The Power of a Playlist - Jennifer Buchanan
Inservi Deo et laetare
