Role of Music in Reducing Anxiety and Stress

As we live in such a fast-paced world, mental health problems have become a concern for people of all age groups. Mental health problems have tremendously affected millions of people globally. Anxiety and stress are the two most prevalent mental health problems worldwide. The power of music has gone unnoticed to cope with these mental health problems. Music, in addition to being a source of entertainment, also acts in certain conditions as a therapeutic tool which can improve one’s mental well-being. Being an effective stress-buster, how exactly does it help reduce anxiety and stress and what makes it so effective in integrating it into our day-to-day lives? Read ahead to know the unique power that music unleashes in managing stress and anxiety.

Music and its effect on the brain

Most of you might have noticed that certain songs can significantly affect your mood in an instant. Whether it is your favourite song on your playlist or any calming background music during a stressful day, it can greatly impact one’s mental health. But how does this happen?
Music interacts with different parts of our brain, which include those providing for emotional and memory needs. Therefore, any music we enjoy or like will cause the brain to release certain chemicals called dopamine, commonly called the ‘happy hormone’. This could be a big way in which music can become a medicine for anxiety, making us feel less bothered. Music, besides, tends to decrease the production of cortisol - the hormone produced when individuals are placed in a stressful situation.

How do different types of music help with anxiety and stress?

Not all music may have a similar effect on everyone, but certain types of music are proven to have calming properties. You may wonder why places such as spa centres or yoga studios play soft, soothing music. Right? It is because slower tempos can encourage a meditative state and help slow down your breathing and heart rate, thereby reducing stress and anxiety. Such is the case of classical music, which often includes works from composers such as Bach or Mozart, many of whom have been quoted as being ‘calming’. 
Additionally, there may be happy or at least fast-tempo music that might, for some, help control the stress and anxiety levels by levelling up one’s mood. For instance, when an upbeat song is heard right before a major presentation, it reduces anxiety and enhances confidence. This is so because positive or high-energy music encourages the production of endorphins, natural pain relievers from the human body, that may ease your emotional state.
Does all this mean you need to stick to a particular genre to reduce your stress and anxiety? Not at all! Response to music is individualised. Few may prefer calm and soothing music, while others, in contrast, may prefer heavy metal songs. The key to using music as a stress-buster is identifying the right music for you.

Incorporating music into your daily life

To undergo formal music therapy, you need not be a qualified musician from a renowned institution. It is all about how that song/genre can have an impact on your mental health. Some simple tips for integrating music into your daily life to reduce your mental health problems are – 
1.    Creating an effective playlist: An ideal playlist according to the kind of activities you do can effectively address your stress and anxiety in different situations. 
2.    Using music for meditation: Using calming music can help guide you into a more relaxed state, which in turn can reduce your anxiety, stress, and other mental health problems. 
3.    Bedtime music: This can promote relaxation and improve sleep, especially in those with troubled sleeping due to anxiety, stress, and other mental health problems.
4.    Sing along: Sometimes, a simple act of singing to your favourite song can boost your mood and release the built-up tension.

Music as a companion in tough times

Often, music has played a key role when you feel anxious or stressed out. Music has an incredible way of being there by offering emotional release and comforting one’s feelings. Music can be a reliable companion in your mental health journey. Finding the right tunes and making music an integral part of life, you might discover how powerful it can be in managing anxiety and stress.

Conclusion

In today’s world, where mental health problems are becoming more prevalent, using music as an effective way to cope can help reduce anxiety and stress. Whether it is through professional music therapy or songs from your favourite playlist, it can help transform moods, ease tension, and enhance mental well-being. So play your favourite song next time when you feel overwhelmed.