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One of my favorite things to do after a long or hard week for myself or my family can be to turn on some music and have a dance party in the kitchen. As we take turns shifting from Motown classics to Alt-rock bands (and at some point a Rick Roll) we let ourselves sway and laugh out that week’s stress. Add in the pleasure you get in seeing the smiles and happiness that being around your favorite people can bring, and this seemingly silly and fun moment can be profoundly de-stressing and meaningful for all of us.

If you’re anxious about dancing in front of others, believe me, I hear you. Dancing by yourself, with your pets, and eventually with that group that you feel safe to be yourself around, are all equally beneficial. It used to be thought that music just impacted the right side of our brain, but now it’s known to be one of the few activities that impacts almost the entirety of our brain. It can activate our emotional regulation, physiological responses, memory, pain perception, sleep responses, focus and attention, mood and neurotransmitters, reduce our anxiety and depression, and stimulate cognitive functioning.

Music Therapy is a clinical and evidence-based use of music to reach certain therapy goals. Just listening to music for one hour every day has shown to have a reduction in depression and one’s perception of pain- aiding those that suffer with chronic pain. Music can act as a powerful distractor for pain, reducing our perceptions of it both physically and emotionally. Music can also increase our self-empowerment. Engaging in dancing then adds the benefits of movement to our mental health. It can help with the management of anxiety and depression by releasing dopamine. Dopamine imbalances are also a fundamental part of ADHD (Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and music can be used to help with focus and attention-building for periods of time. It can also increase blood flow to the left hemisphere of your brain, providing natural bursts of energy for continued concentration or motivation.

Learning to play an instrument has also been shown to impact declines in functioning (like hearing) and to increase memory and reading skills. In fact, according to a study from the University of Montreal it has been argued that the benefits of playing a musical instrument can help your brain more than any other activity. It is known that playing an instrument can change brain structure and improve brain functioning, with the earlier one learns an instrument (and continues playing) the greater the possible impacts. Even those that play an instrument briefly in their life can see long-term impacts, though.

The sound frequency of the music we listen to can also impact us differently. Different frequencies can impact our mood, ability to focus, and ability to sleep. Gamma and Beta waves are good for focus and long-term memory enhancement, alpha waves for relaxation and creativity, and theta and delta waves for sleep or meditation. Often you can find videos, downloads, or CD’s tailored to the type of impact you want your music to have on you. For example, playing music for students with ADHD while they work can help them with focusing. While the idea of playing music as your child tries to concentrate on something hard or difficult may seem overly distracting to you, it can be very helpful to many who have ADHD and its subtypes. We are all unique though, so whether you have ADHD or not, you may find that you prefer certain types of music or sound frequencies over others to help you focus, motivate yourself, or relax- so have fun with it!

Music can also be a powerful trigger for our memories of past experiences. Songs can be used to activate neurochemicals, creating positive mood states as we relive favorite moments in our lives. Incorporating music into more events in your life is another way those happy memories and experiences can be stimulated in the future. It also allows us to be more grounded in the present moments, experiencing them more fully with more sensory engagement. Experiencing music in groups through concerts also allows us to feel more connected to others as we are impacted by the music.

So the next time you feel stuck, unmotivated, or even numb- let music be the tool to start reconnecting with yourself, your needs, and those around you.

YOUR BRAIN WILL THANK YOU