Written by Jade Attard
In a time of global chaos, we are thrown spiraling into a whirlwind of uncertainty and distress. Confronting the unknown and, by certainty facing loss, we strive to survive by clinging onto something that grounds us – music. Whether you enjoy the occasional radio song or boast a vinyl collection all your friends are impressed by, music is something you can turn to for a new thrill in your life. Here’s why:
Music creates a sense of belonging
As an internationally-practiced and loved art form, it can be agreed that music creates a sense of community within itself. As a result, engaging in it and sharing it with other people instills a sense of belonging.
This is why people under lockdown in Wuhan, Spain and Italy among other countries took to their balconies to sing songs and play instruments to raise public morale together.
Music releases feel-good hormones
Better known as dopamine, this hormone released by the brain is associated with a state of feeling good and increases in response to other pleasurable activities such as eating chocolate and being in love. A study reported in Nature Neuroscience found an increase in dopamine transmission when its participants felt a “chill” or “musical frisson” in relation to a favourable piece of music. Music psychologist, Dr Vicky Williamson from Goldsmiths College, University of London claims that the study proves how “music is inextricably linked with our deepest reward systems.”
Music helps us exercise
The significance of exercising at a time of limited outside activity is tremendous, and so using music as a means of pushing you further towards your fitness goals should be deeply beneficial. Multiple studies show that music conditions increase the length of a workout and even helps in producing more oxygen when a musical beat is fast and in sync with bodily movement.
Music improves sleep
Not only does music release feelings associated with happiness, but it also helps your body relax and prepare for sleep. If you’ve been in quarantine at home for weeks and are finding it difficult to establish a constant sleep schedule, tuning into some calming tunes is proven to speed up your sleep process.
Music reduces stress
No matter your mental strength and capacities, some form of stress is surely bound to creep up on you during this pandemic. Luckily, music is found to lessen stress and decrease anxiety as, much like with sleep, it helps in relaxing the mind and body. This is something we should all benefit from.
Being at technology’s constant disposal might not be so bad if you use it effectively. You might give learning the basics of music production a shot or you might skim through Spotify playlists outside your comfort zone. Whatever you go for, music will enrich you in many ways.
cover image: source