Oh my, I guess I’m growing a bit weary of the #AtoZChallenge. That is, even though a ton of topics were available for the letter M post, I’m still not sure I have any substantial material to share. Today, I want to talk about using music to help your mental health.
Music, both listening to it and playing an instrument or singing yourself, can really help your mental wellbeing. I find, for example, that it gives me something to focus my senses on when I’m overloaded. Like I’ve said before, exposing yourself to a strong sensation can really help you feel more aware of your body. It can also help override other strong internal or external stimuli.
It really depends on you what type of music will help you when you’re in which mood. For example, for me, listening to peaceful piano or guitar music or soundscapes, helps me calm down. My husband says the same music winds him up.
When I need a mood booster, it helps me to listen to faster-paced songs, often with funny lyrics. For example, Tom Lehrer’s music really lifts up my mood.
Song lyrics can also help you describe your mood boost your self-worth. English being my second language means, however, that I don’t often completely comprehend them. I find “powerful” songs in Dutch to be really annoying most times. That being said, I do at times listen to songs with strong lyrics, such as contemporary Christian.
Also, my favorite song of all time is I’m a Survivor by Reba McEntire, which does have strong, relatable lyrics. However, most times even when I don’t fully know what a song is about, its rhythm, beat or melody appeals to me. That’s why I like ABBA, even though their lyrics aren’t all that powerful.
When I’m angry, I like to listen to the likes of Cock Sparrer, Booze and Glory and The Business. I do have an inkling of what their songs are about, but the essential bit is really the beat.
I can’t sing or play an instrument myself. When you can, it can be a true outlet for your feelings. Even when you don’t have any talent, you can still feel better by playing an instrument.
What music helps you right now?
A Multitude of Musings 
ABBA is so great for making everything light and bright and simple. Who wouldn’t smile with Dancing Queen playing?
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Agree. I have always loved that tune! ☺️
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Totally agree about Abba, it has a bubbly feeling. I have it, next to Lee Oskar
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When I want something to spark my energy, or to relax with the harmonica songs.
My family are fans of metal, so, after listening to my son’s drumming all day long, sometimes just the chirping of birds outside is perfect. 😉
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That makes so much sense. I don’t care for metal either, but it’s good that your son enjoys it.
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Oh yeah, definitely! Never heard of Lee Oskar though.
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Music is always a welcome outlet here. The Dad has been playing piano and guitar a lot lately as his outlet.
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Oh that’s so wonderful! I wish I could play the guitar.
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I have music that I like to listen to to relax my brain (like Enya). And also music I listen to while walking around, which is more upbeat. Music is indeed good for mental health! 🙂
The Multicolored Diary
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Thanks for stopping by. Enya’s music is indeed very calming. 🙂
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Love the Bethany Dillon track. I listen to so many different songs… I use music to get going in the morning and to connect to my soul at night.. my favourite at the moment is Eva Cassidy and the album Imagine.. especially the track Where Does the Time Go and I love this cover version.. :
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That’s so cool that you like lots of different music. I will check out that song. Thanks for stopping by.
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yes, music can be so therapeutic! I remember listening to a podcast about a Canadian woman who started a nonprofit where women from all over the world who have undergone severe trauma come together to listen to and make music – and they end up making an album and even go on tour at the end, and it was SO MOVING! Shame I can’t remember the name of the organization
xoxoxo Anne
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Oh wow, that sounds so amazing. I agree music can really be helpful in this respect. Thanks so much for commenting.
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