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energy
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New research has empirically confirmed something us melophiles already assumed: that playing, listening, or singing along to our favourite tunes can lead to the same improvements in wellbeing as working out.
If you’ve struggled or are currently struggling with mental health issues then I’m sure that, at one point or another, you’ve been advised by family, friends, and medical professionals alike to leave the house and do some exercise.
This is because, as is common knowledge, physical activity – whether that be an intensive gym session, 30 minutes of hot yoga, or one of those daily walks you’re starting to despise – enhances our self-esteem and releases a ton of feel-good hormones (which, in my experience, only tend to last until the muscle-ache sets in and I’m angsty once again).
But has anyone ever recommended you ditch the dumbbells and pop in your headphones instead? The likely answer is no.
Though that could be about to change thanks to new research which has empirically confirmed something us melophiles already assumed: that music is just as beneficial as working out when it comes to fighting everything from depression and PTSD to anxiety and OCD.
Listening to music can have positive effects on #mentalhealth. It can elevate your mood, reduce stress, improve focus and help relaxation.
Today we celebrate #EuropeanMentalHealthWeek with music 🎵
Listen to this feel-good playlist to boost your mood https://t.co/QvNQyPBLJy pic.twitter.com/WzYI17i4Ho
— Mental Health Europe (@MHESME) May 14, 2021
Yep, you heard right, if you’re not a fan of getting your sweat on and moving your body on a regular basis, playing, listening, or singing along to your favourite tunes will do the trick.
And while this might sound far-fetched, the findings actually make a lot of sense.
Analysing 26 studies across several countries including the US, Australia, and England, the review’s authors investigated topics such as stress-reduction through playing instruments, group-singing’s impact on the wellbeing of people with chronic conditions, and the results of music therapy.
They discovered all of these interventions to be linked with ‘clinically meaningful improvements’ in quality of life, on par with the average effects of non-pharmaceutical solutions.
