How Music Improves Mental Health?

Improvement of psychological health with music therapy

- Dr. Rashmi Bhat

Many studies, clinical trials and research have been conducted that proves music is very beneficial to improve and maintain mental health. It is found that students who listen to classical music have lower levels of stress and anxiety and do better in their exams. Singing stimulates the brain and improves skills, coordination and creativity in a person.

Research has shown that blood flows more easily when music is being listened. It reduces heart rate, lowers blood pressure, decreases cortisol (stress hormone) levels and increases serotonin and endorphin levels in the blood. It elevates mood. Listening to music can empower a person by increasing their ability to think, memorize and control emotions. It has the power to relax the mind. Music can be used to treat various motor nerve disorders as they act as supportive and facilitative therapy in rehabilitation.

Music has been proved as a powerful tool for brain adaptation and controlling emotional and thought processes. Music induces endorphins, also known as happy hormones, which calm the nervous system and help to ease anxiety symptoms. Music can be engaging, emotional, physical, personal, social and persuasive, and it promotes synchronization of movement. Several researchers have also speculated on the neural mechanisms underlying improvements in speech, motor, and memory functions following music-based interventions.