Music has long been known to help provide ease to those experiencing certain levels of anxiety or stress, but studies show that music is not speculated to only provide comfort.
The effects of music can soothe the mind especially in its most heightened moments, such as those with anxiety or panic disorders. These effects include:
– Reduced muscle tension: This is usually induced through background music therapy, which consists of listening to calming music in the background for around 8-12 hours per day.
– Decreased anxiety and agitation: When listening to soothing music becomes a routine, this has been proven to occur.
– Improved group cohesiveness: Often the effects of contemplative music therapy. This particular approach involves administering the music in a group setting.
– Successful and safe emotional release: Also brought on by contemplative music, the group is given a biography of the composer and small details about the piece, which in turn gives the listener a closer ‘bond’ with the music.
This enables the music to bring out morbid experiences from each patient’s memories and help them face it in a safe environment.
– Increased motivation and self-image/self-esteem: Frequently used with those who’ve stayed in a hospital for a long period of time, executive music is the approach that involves an individual or group singing and performing live.
It has been known to strengthen the patient’s feeling of self-worth among others.
– Increased verbalization: This effect is induced by creative music therapy. Creative music therapy is quite self-explanatory; as it involves having the patients create their own music. This could be a simple writing of lyrics, or composing a melody on an instrument.
– Enhanced interpersonal relationships: Also making use of creative music therapy, patients can also play a musical instrument for the enjoyment of it, without having to create a piece. They can learn to play existing pieces or just fumble with the keys/strings and let the sounds comfort their running minds.
The effects listed here are only a few of the many benefits music can give to those suffering from any form of anxiety disorder, panic disorder, or the simple oncoming of stress. Whether you are going through relationship problems, prepping yourself for an eventful moment ahead, or overcoming a fear, you can always try turning to musical therapy and see how it can help you.
The good thing about music is that any piece is eternal, meaning it won’t be going anywhere while you are still deciding your approach. It can always be found online, through musical instruments, or anywhere you can access it to begin your musical therapy today.
