Is music good for your mental health?

The Power of Music: Breaking Records and Exploring Its Impact

I am writing this after breaking my meditation record of 50 minutes. I've surpassed the 1-hour benchmark, and I feel amazing. The first song I turned on was "Sun Is Shining" by Bob Marley. It was perfect for the beautiful sunrise this morning. Now, I'll dive into the topic and share my research and insights.

The Benefits of Music: A Scientific Perspective

A study conducted by the Jed Foundation reveals that music offers numerous benefits, especially for young adults and teenagers. This is the period when most people develop their taste in music, as it's when they listen to it the most. The study reports that the average teen listens to 2.5 hours of music daily. In an experiment involving college students who listened to classical music every day, the results were remarkable: they experienced significantly lower levels of anxiety.

Another experiment focused on individuals with a fear of heights. Using Virtual Reality (VR), participants were subjected to a simulated elevator ride up nine stories. Half of the group listened to music, while the other half did not. The results showed that those who listened to music recovered from the stress of the situation much faster. Additional studies indicate that music can lower stress hormones, blood pressure, and heart rate - all of which typically spike during stressful situations.

Potential Negative Effects of Music

While music offers many benefits, it's important to consider its potential drawbacks:

1. Distraction: Music, especially lyrical songs, could potentially distract from athletic and work performance.

2. Rumination: Certain types of music or lyrics can induce rumination - the experience of negative thoughts, feelings, or past events.

3. Negative Influence: Listening to lyrics that express negative attitudes (e.g., towards women) might influence one's own thoughts and behaviors in a similar direction.

My Opinion

Music can be beneficial if it's the right type, primarily instrumental. Other genres are acceptable, but it's crucial to be cognizant of how they make you feel. Being aware of the impact different types of music have on your mood and mindset is key to harnessing its positive effects while minimizing potential negative influences.