Oftentimes, people struggle in finding outlets to get through difficult times. One very widely discussed outlet is listening to music! According to the National Library of Medicine, music has been scientifically proven to reduce cortisol (stress) levels. While it is completely understandable that music is sometimes not everyone’s cup of tea, there are many different genres of music to choose from that you probably never thought could help with stress! The three genres of music that prove to be the most successful in reducing stress are classical music, light-feel good music, and acoustic/jazz ballads.
Classical Music
Classical music tends to receive backlash as it is categorized as music that is just for the elderly. However, classical music provides simple and soft melodies that are able to relax the mind. In many studies, classical music has been shown to convey emotion through the instruments that are used. Due to the slow yet tasteful pacing and rhythm of this music, classical music aids in producing feel-good neurotransmitters. If slower ballads are your thing, give classical music a try!
Feel Good Music
Light- feel good music is commonly enjoyed. Happy and airy music can distract the mind from a situation that may seem life altering. Having a more upbeat melody to a song can heavily impact serotonin levels that are produced in the body. Listening to music that has optimistic lyrics and beats can influence your mood. When in a state of negativity or anxiety, turning on music that makes you feel good and reminds you of good times, can be a big help!
Acoustic/Jazz Ballads
Acoustic/Jazz Ballads are creative genres of music that are formed based off of improvisation. Acoustic/Jazz music contain many different variations of calm rhythms, however, it has been proven that this music can enhance relaxation of mind and reduce anxiety. According to Riddle Village, jazz music can activate alpha brain waves and minimize anxiety levels. Listening to jazz music can promote a more tranquil mind and perspective when given a chance.
Key Takeaways
It is scientifically proven that listening to music can be a very beneficial coping strategy to forms of anxiety or stress. Whether you may listen to rock or smooth jazz, it all depends on how the music makes you feel! Listening to music that promotes optimism and minimal stress is key to mental prosperity. If you are someone who does not typically listen to music, give classical, feel-good, or jazz music a try. You never know what you could discover!
Resources
Thoma, M. V., La Marca, R., Brönnimann, R., Finkel, L., Ehlert, U., & Nater, U. M. (2013). The effect of music on the human stress response. PloS one, 8(8), e70156. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0070156
Releasing stress through the power of music. (n.d.). University of Nevada, Reno. Retrieved February 22, 2024, from https://www.unr.edu/counseling/virtual-relaxation-room/releasing-stress-through-the-power-of-music#:~:text=Sounds%20of%20rain%2C%20thunder%2C%20and,)%2C%20and%20easy%20listening%20music .
The Science Behind Why Classical Music Is Good for Mental Health. (2019, October 11). La Scena Musicale. Retrieved February 23, 2024, from https://myscena.org/newswire/the-science-behind-why-classical-music-is-good-for-mental-health/
Benefits of listening to jazz music. (2021, August 17). Riddle Village. Retrieved February 22, 2024, from https://www.riddlevillage.com/blog/benefits-of-listening-to-jazz-music/
Comments