Music As Stress Relief
“Because of the quarantine, I’m starting to worry about the toll this unprecedented level of social isolation is going to take on us. I want to come up with a list of simple things I can incorporate into my days to keep my stress levels low and uplift my mood.”
Dear Suddenly Isolated Extrovert,
Your concerns are absolutely justified. All humans, even those who consider themselves “introverts,” are social creatures.So these are certainly challenging times for everyone, but especially for folks who are naturally more energized by social interactions and engaging with others than by spending time alone.
I’m sure you’ve already come up with some terrific and creative ideas on your list! Something I would definitely add is music. In fact, there has been so much research done on the benefits that music can have on our health that we actually have an entire session series at BackNTouch called “The Magic of Music.”
Music lowers pain, depression, and cortisol levels in the body, while stimulating our brain’s reward centers and releasing dopamine. It elevates our serotonin levels, which is the exact same effect that antidepressant medications such as Prozac and Zoloft have. Music also deactivates the amygdala--which is the center in our brain that is responsible for fear, anxiety, and anger. Finally, listening to your favorite songs can facilitate neurogenesis and neuroplasticity, which is the regeneration and repair of your brain cells!
Make a list of your favorite artists and songs and listen to a few each day. If you’re looking for some inspiration, I’ve included below the top songs from past decades, so you can take a fun trip down memory lane! You might be surprised by the power music has to transport you to a different time and place.
Here are some additional resources for you to enjoy the benefits of music:
Harvard: Music and Health https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/music-and-health
Berkeley: Five Ways Music Can Make You Healthier https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/five_ways_music_can_make_you_healthier
You Asked: Is Listening to Music Good For Your Health? https://time.com/5254381/listening-to-music-health-benefits/
Keep Your Brain Young With Music https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/keep-your-brain-young-with-music
Music as Medicine https://www.apa.org/monitor/2013/11/music
Top Songs of the 1950s: https://www.nme.com/list/100-best-songs-of-the-1950s-1155
Top Songs of the 1960s: https://www.nme.com/list/100-best-songs-of-the-1960s-1159
Top Songs of the 1970s: https://www.nme.com/list/100-best-songs-of-the-1970s-1153
Top Songs of the 1980s: https://www.nme.com/list/100-best-songs-of-the-1980s-1161