How Music Can Benefit Your Overall Wellness in 4 Key Areas

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Music is one of the most powerful tools we have in our lives.  It is everywhere – in the background while shopping for groceries, eating dinner at our favorite restaurant, sitting in the waiting room at the doctor’s office.  It evokes feelings, brings up memories, and nurtures our bodies and minds. Most of us may not even realize the impact music has on our lives. It is essential to our development as humans. Here we will take a look into how music benefits us in key areas of our lives: 

• Music for Your Mind 

• Music for Memory 

• Music for Mood 

• Music for Movement/Motivation  

These are also detailed in Don Campbell’s popular book, The Mozart Effect, with several examples showcasing the healing power of music. It’s a great read to add to your list if you want to learn more! 

Music for Your Mind 

Research has shown that listening to music while studying can aid in retention of information and key facts. It is also known to improve focus. Certain genres of music are better for this, of course.  You wouldn’t want to listen to heavy metal if you need to concentrate intently.  Classical music is much better suited for this since it promotes a more calming environment. This is one of my favorites for helping with focus and retention – Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 21 in C, 2nd Movement, played by Andre Rieu on violin. 

Music for Memory  

The practice of music therapy is often used in hospitals and nursing homes to manage symptoms of various ailments. In patients suffering from Alzheimer's and dementia, music brings back memories and calms agitated behaviors.  

My first full-time job after graduate school was as an activity assistant in a long-term care facility, where I would occasionally lead residents in sing-a-longs at the piano. It was amazing to see how the residents would participate. Some of them couldn’t recognize their own family members or tell you what they ate for breakfast, but they sure could sing along with every word to Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree. 

I had a special fondness for one resident who could barely speak after suffering a stroke. She struggled trying to get out the words when speaking, yet she could sing along to any tune without trouble. There have been several instances in my life when I witnessed first-hand just how impactful music is, but this was the most significant. It’s a remarkable power that music can bring back a person’s voice! 

Music for Mood  

Have you ever been having a rough day and then you happen to hear a song on the radio that completely flips it around? It can also have the opposite effect – you have a good day and then hear a song that evokes memories of a sad time in your life. 

If ever I need to brighten my mood, I know there are certain songs I can listen to that will do just that.  For instance, Walk the Moon’s “Shut Up and Dance with Me” perks me up EVERY single time. I suggest creating a playlist specifically for lifting your spirits and then you will have it on hand whenever you need it.  

When I was a general music teacher, one of my favorite activities I did with my junior high students was called The Soundtrack of My Life. I asked students, “If your life were to be made into a movie, which songs would you choose for the soundtrack?” I had them create a list of ten songs and explain why they chose each one. This is a great activity to get you started into making a perfect playlist. The songs you choose mean something important to you. As you go through the list and recognize how you feel with the thought of each song, make note of the ones that give you the most positive feeling. These are ones you would want to include on your playlist to lift your mood. 

Music can also be used for relaxation to alleviate stress, tension, anxiety, anger, etc. While I was growing up, my mom worked as a department manager for a popular retail store. At times when her job got really stressful, she would sit in the car on her lunch break and turn on the classical music station to calm her down. I have often done this when commuting to and from work in horrendous Cincinnati traffic. Try it! It really does help lower your blood pressure in tense situations! 

Music for Movement/Motivation 

Aside from music, another passion I have is fitness. I was never a great runner and kind of despised it when I was younger. I was the kid who couldn’t complete the mile-run in gym class without walking some (or most) of the way. That changed as I got older and learned how to better train my body. One thing that has always helped in my fitness goals is music. In the days of burning CD’s, I’d put together the perfect playlist to keep me motivated on the treadmill or taking a walk outside through the neighborhood. I’d have specific playlists for the type of exercise. If you are a runner or would like to start running, see my post on How I Use Music to Train for a 5K. 

Once you start incorporating more music into your life, I know you will see positive changes and experience the incredible power of music. Our lives are more enriched with music and using these tactics can aid in achieving the best version of you.  

For more in-depth information, get your copy of The Mozart Effect!