Millions of people around the world are currently struggling with their mental health. We’re living during a period of time where there’s so much to worry about from war to our finances, the environment to our health, so it’s perhaps no real surprise that anxiety and stress levels are at all-time highs.
For many though, it’s having a serious impact on their lives, particularly as it can often develop into serious bouts of depression and addiction. Of course, getting help with such issues is imperative, whether it be seeing a counselor or going through an addiction treatment centre.
There are treatments to suit all types of people and an increasingly popular style of therapy is through music. It can help for all manner of reasons, so if you feel like you may need help for one reason or another, here are five reasons music therapy could be worth a try…
It can reduce stress and anxiety
One of the main benefits of music therapy is its ability to reduce stress and anxiety. Listening to music can have a calming effect on the body and mind, helping to lower heart rate, blood pressure, and cortisol levels.
In addition, playing music or singing can be a form of self-expression that allows individuals to release pent-up emotions and feelings.
You can manage chronic pain
Music therapy has also been shown to be effective in managing chronic pain. Listening and playing music can help to distract the mind from the pain, and can also trigger the release of endorphins, which are the body’s natural painkillers.
In addition, through playing side and singing you can help to improve physical coordination and muscle control, which can be helpful for individuals with conditions such as Parkinson’s disease or stroke.
It’ll help improve cognitive function
It’s been shown to improve cognitive function in individuals with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and other neurological conditions. Listening to music can stimulate the brain and help to improve memory, attention, and overall cognitive function.
Similarly, playing music or singing can help to improve hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills, which can be helpful for individuals with conditions such as stroke or traumatic brain injury.
And enhance emotional wellbeing
We’ve all felt good singing in the shower, but it goes beyond that too with listening to music being a great way to boost your mood. Equally, when playing instruments can be a brilliant way to express emotions, as mentioned, but in a safe and controlled environment.
You’ll find it helps support social connection
Finally, music therapy can be helpful in supporting social connections. Playing music or singing with others can be a way to connect with others and build social skills, which can be especially helpful for individuals with autism or social anxiety.
Alongside this, group music therapy sessions can provide people with friends for life, and relationships that go way beyond a group weekly meeting, providing support for each other when needed most.
