Without me knowing this, music may have been my best friend in life. If I am not humming, I am listening to music. Music has been a constant companion since childhood as I was surrounded by parents who took keen interest in music and its nuances. This is perhaps one of the greatest gifts given by my parents as it has helped me in many situations. Music makes me focus when my attention wavers, makes me upbeat when fatigue hits or spirits are low, helps me heal after losses and sometimes even helps tide over crises.
Recently, the sudden onset of the pandemic and the consequent lockdown brought fear, stress, anxiety and a troubled mental state to me as it did to many others. What came to my rescue was music! I not only listened to many genres including bhajans in the morning, my favourite singer’s melodies when doing household chores, and old English classics in the evening after winding up a gruelling day, I even revived my singing and started ‘riyaaz’ again.
Indeed, music can be your saviour if you are facing an unprecedented situation. A UNICEF study puts emphasis on how music contributes to better memory and cognitive skills in a growing child. Listening to and playing music leads to changes in the brain and releases a healthy dose of endorphins, the feel good or happiness hormone.
A study from the Institute of Learning and Brain Sciences found that when babies listen to music, their auditory and prefrontal cortexes, in charge of processing music and speech, look different. By 24 weeks, the auditory function starts to develop rapidly. In the last few months of pregnancy, an unborn baby starts to recognize her mother’s voice and music from inside the womb itself. A mother who listens to classical music, gentle and soothing sounds and nice melodies can make herself as well as her baby calmer and more relaxed.
June 21 is celebrated as World Music Day, dedicated to music in all forms. With a wide range of music available now, there is something for everyone. Once you start to appreciate and engage in music, you will find an amazing calm take over. Soulveda lists 5 ways in which music can help in improving one’s mental and emotional health.
For most, stress is a byproduct of our modern lifestyle. The fast paced urban life, competitiveness and the fight for resources is generating immense stress. Anxiety, depression and anger are on the rise too. Music can be a great stress-buster here. A recent study indicated that music of around 60 beats per minute synchronises the brain with the beat,generating alpha brainwaves (frequencies from 8 – 14 hertz or cycles per second). When we are in a relaxed state of mind, these alpha brainwaves are found to be present.
Listening to music lowers the heart rate and cortisol levels. Music helps in releasing endorphins, the happy hormones, elevating our sense of wellbeing and thus lowering stress-related symptoms.
Listening to, and playing music leads to changes in the brain and releases a healthy dose of endorphins, the feel-good or happiness hormone. A study from the Institute of Learning and Brain Sciences found that when babies listen to music, their auditory and prefrontal cortexes, in charge of processing music and speech, look different.
Yes, music helps in uplifting people’s moods. Music is the perfect antidote to revive your spirits and make you upbeat again. You may naturally tune to high-tempo music to elevate your mood or listen to your favorite genre to let the mind go to a happy zone – due to the release of endorphins, the feel-good hormones.
June 21 is celebrated as world music day, dedicated to music in all forms. With a wide range of music available now, there is something for everyone.
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