“One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain.”
– Bob Marley
Music can be considered a universal language. It speaks to everyone in different ways. It communicates across cultures. It stirs up emotions inside us. It connects us to our memories. It even has the power to heal us in a variety of ways. It helps reduce pain. It helps reduce stress and anxiety. Music is used during treatment of Alzheimer's, dementia and Parkinson's disease. Music also has this magical ability to lift our Spirits when we are feeling down. It's universality and variety makes it accessible and relatable to everyone in its own unique way.
My favorite quality about music is its ability to help unite people while inspiring compassion and love. Growing up in the 1980's, I remember USA for Africa's "We are the world," written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie. Dozens of artists including Tina Turner, Billy Joel, Diana Ross and Kenny Rogers, united together to record a beautiful song that helped lift Spirits and raise more than $60 million dollars ($150 million today) to address famine in Africa. There has been research confirming that singing in harmony and chorus helps to improve health and happiness.
Photo by Keith Wako on Pexels
My second favorite quality about music is its portability. We basically carry a catalogue of almost every song ever recorded in our pocket. Services like Spotify and Apple Music make it simple for us to listen to our favorite artists and songs. Now we have the ability to make playlists that motivate us, inspire us and improve our mood. Even easier, we can search for different playlists created buy others. A simple search of "feel good" brought up hundreds of playlists created by Spotify, artists and listeners. I really loved this oldies inspired playlist that was at the top of my search results.
Between music's ability to heal, motivate, inspire and unite others, it is such a powerful form of art. I encourage everyone to schedule some listening time in their day to help lighten and brighten the mood. There are so many different genres and eras to choose from. I recently learned about all of the benefits of listening to classical music, particularly baroque music. Everyone has their own taste and preferences, though. That's what makes music so unique. So, go ahead. Create a new playlist to help inspire, motivate or relax your mind. Then, sit back and allow the music to work its magic.
More Wellness!
Healthline: The Benefits of Listening to Music
Hopkins Medicine: Keep Your Brain Young with Music
Very Well Mind: What Is Music Therapy?
