Mubeena talks about different ways we can use music to improve our moods.
There are times when we don’t feel like exercising, find it difficult to eat well, or simply cannot get to bed on time to ensure we are sleeping enough. Even when taking care of ourselves seems challenging, there are still ways to nurture and care for yourself without requiring a lot of effort.
Music can be a powerful tool that most of us have in our lives. It can affect the mind and body in many ways. Music has been found to cause an increase in dopamine, a chemical our brain releases in response to pleasurable and rewarding behaviour. Music has also been shown to reduce physical pain and decrease the amount of stress hormones circulating in your body. Slower music can calm the mind and relax your muscles, slow down your heart rate and decrease blood pressure. Faster music can make you feel energetic, upbeat, positive, motivated and can make you more mentally alert.
Music can also be a wonderful distraction for times when you simply need a break from a hectic day!
How do you know what kind of music is relaxing and pleasurable?
First, listen to music you like, and this might be different to what is popular on the radio. If you are feeling adventurous, explore music you’ve never listened to before and see how it affects your mood and physical body. Maybe you will discover a love for classical music, jazz, hip hop, or even sounds of nature (rain, the ocean or birds chirping).
Make a playlist of your favourite music, a playlist for times you are tired and need energy, a playlist for times you need to relax, a playlist that reminds you of your favourite memories, a playlist for when you are feeling upset and simply need to have a good cry, etc. The possibilities are endless!
Don’t have the time or ability to make a playlist? Turn on the radio when you’re at home or in the car, pop in a CD/cassette tape, find your favourite tunes on a music service like Spotify or even access the radio on the internet.
Playing musical instruments can also reduce levels of stress. You don’t need fancy equipment or to be a professional musician. Research shows that even playing with a child’s drum set, piano, xylophone, recorder, etc. can be rewarding and turn off your body’s stress response.
So, go ahead, turn up that music and enjoy!
