Health & Wellbeing

Over 150 of our students, and a number of dedicated staff, are involved in the School Musical which has prompted me to discuss music and the benefits for our mental health and wellbeing as the topic for this newsletter. What a wonderful opportunity for all students involved – musicians, dancers, actors, backstage crew, choreographers, lighting and sound to immerse themselves in music and dance. Not to mention the benefits to the audience. 

Aside from individual benefits of music, music brings us together, forges relationships, breaks down societal barriers, tells a story, makes memories and creates community. It is no wonder that music is beneficial to our wellbeing and mental health!

The power and impact of music on mental health and wellbeing is undeniable. Whether you are a professional performer, composer, avid listener, or shower/car singer, music can have a wonderful influence on how we act, think, and feel and on our mental health and wellbeing.

Researchers from the MARCS Institute for Brain, Behaviour and Development have found that music increases memory and retention as well as maximises learning capabilities.

Our brains trigger particular emotions, memories and thoughts, which often leads to more positive effects toward mental health.

The potential impact of music on individuals is varied, just as the styles of music we may engage with. Retro, tribal, classical, pop, rap, death metal, indie, disco, musical theatre, ambient, jazz, house, blues, K-pop, grunge.

Here are five potential benefits music is said to have on our brains:

Elevate your mood and motivation

A strong mental wellbeing is closely aligned with optimistic and positive feelings. So, when you’re having a bad day, there’s nothing better than playing an uplifting and joyous song as loud as you can. The bright musical tones and lyrics will change or elevate your mood and empower you for the day ahead.

Slow start to the morning? Need to get through a long day of week? No motivation to go for a run?

Up-tempo, fast-paced music gets your brain and body moving, making you amped up and motivated to enjoy what’s ahead. In fact, researchers have claimed classical and ambient music have the best mood-boosting benefits, while metal and hard electronic music were considered to have the opposite effect.

Reduce stress

Music’s ability to be a stress reliever should not be downplayed. Whether playing in the background or you’re giving it your full attention, certain genres of music have the innate ability to reduce stress.

Soft, ambient music provides calming stimulation for the mind. In this case, best avoid loud rock or metal to moderate your stress. If you’re looking to wash away some stress, search for playlists that contain a lot of ambient and quiet music. It is useful to have playlists specifically for times of relaxation.

Improve focus

One of many great benefits of music is that it can used while you perform your everyday activities.

Trying to stay focused and concentrate on an activity—whether that be studying, working or cleaning—can be difficult for some.

Certain types of music are known to boost focus, so it’s important to know which music is right for improving focus.

Instrumental, classical or ambient music are recommended.

Help relaxation

In working with students, who are focusing on sleep hygiene, we frequently discuss the importance of music in relation to routine and association. If attempting to maintain a regular sleep routine, listening to the same piece(s) of music prior to bedtime, on a regular basis can aid in training your brain to associate specific music with sleep. Music need not be a traditional easy listening/lullaby/classical piece, though of course it could be. The ideal music for sleep hygiene routine:

• The piece(s) of music is not too stimulating to the brain and body when trying to wind down,
   
• It may or may not have lyrics (but if you are tempted to sing along, or if lyrics distract you, consider another option),
   
• Is a piece that is not usually listened to at other times, is kept for sleep time. For example, it is better not to select your current favourite song,
   
• Select a piece that does not elicit a significant emotional response. Music can prompt memories, make us laugh, cry (remember sometimes we need this too, maybe just not before sleep). Eg. Selecting the song that reminds you of your recent break up before sleep time may not be conducive to sleep.
   
• Music can energise us, best not to select a piece before bed that you may associate with physical activity, Eg. Don’t select the song you listen to on your morning walk / run or one you like to dace to, listen to at the gym. 

Reduce anxiety and depression

Understanding how music affects your emotions goes a long way to help ease anxious and depressive thoughts. Music Therapy has become a popular form of treating anxiety and depression.

It’s an exercise in listening and composing therapeutic music to promote physical and mental rehabilitation. A recent study by Dr. David Lewis-Hodgson of Mindlab International has shown instrumental, classical or ambient music can help reduce anxiety by up to 65%.

As members of our College community, or even the wider local community, I encourage you to attend the Back to the 80’s KCC musical, opening night tonight! What a wonderful opportunity to encourage our young people to engage in music, performance and dance, to enhance their skills, improve confidence, build community and focus on activities that promote positive mental health.

Rachel Smith | College/School Counsellor