How Music Heals: The Benefits of Music on the Mind, Body, and Soul

Music is more than just entertainment; it’s a powerful tool that can enhance both our physical health and mental well-being. Whether you’re listening to your favorite playlist during a workout or playing an instrument to unwind, music can have a profound impact on the human body and mind.

How does music impact the brain?

According to Mallory Friedel, Wellness Coach at Centerstone, “music impacts almost every part of the brain.” It can stimulate the frontal lobe, reduce stress, and lower our heart rate and blood pressure – all things that help relax the brain. Additionally, listening to music can help improve memory. Take the ABC song, for example. Connecting the letters to a song helps make them easier to learn and remember and is more effective than trying to learn the letters individually. Another benefit of listening to music is that it can be beneficial for our sleep. Studies have shown that listening to soft music before going to sleep increases your chances of staying asleep and having a full rest.

How are music and mental health connected?

Music and mental health are deeply linked through the way music influences brain function, emotions, and stress responses. Listening to music can stimulate the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter in the brain associated with pleasure and reward, which can elevate mood and reduce feelings of depression. Music can also help lower our cortisol levels which is the hormone related to stress. Because of this, music can be used as an effective tool for anxiety relief and relaxation. Additionally, people often connect with lyrics that express feelings or experiences they may struggle to put into words themselves.

“Music can provide a safe space to work through things that you may not be ready to or feel comfortable saying out loud,” Fridel adds. “It can stir up different emotions that may be hard to process.”

What is music therapy and how does it work?

Music therapy uses music and its elements, like rhythm and sounds, to help people address their mental health concerns and may involve things like singing, moving to, or creating music. This type of therapy works by engaging different areas of the brain to help address a patient’s specific concerns and can be used to treat depression, anxiety, and even trauma.

Just Jam!

In all, music is good for the mind, body, and soul. Listening to music that boosts your mood can set you up for success during your day, help lift you when you’re down, or even just provide space for a much-needed mid-day dance break. No matter what kind of music you like, allow it to work its magic when you need it.

If you find it challenging to work through mental health concerns you may be experiencing and think you may benefit from additional support, Centerstone is here to help you find your rhythm. Visit our website to get connected to care today.