A song a day keeps the stress away

Music shares a close relation with mood, as stated by Psychology Today. Listeners gravitate toward songs that them feel– whether that is happy or sad, energetic or relaxed. Avid gym members rely on invigorating tracks to keep them motivated during a tough leg workout, and commuters rely on softer and more relaxing tunes during their return home after a long day of work. Music influences the listener’s mindset, and therefore acts as a form of therapy for stress and depression.

Doctor Robert Zatorre, from the Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, proved this in his study that demonstrated how music triggers the same brain structures as food and sex. Indeed, it has the power to stimulate specific areas, which also causes a  shiver-down-the-spine sensation the listener gets when exposed to an inspiring work of art.

Different types of music lead to different neurological stimulations depending on the track and genre of it. Psychology Today reported that classical music has proven to induce relaxation and comfort while rock induces discomfort. With that alleviating power, music can help fight depression, a mood disorder that affects about 12.5 percent of the USA’s teenaged population in a given year, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Listening to soothing tunes may help reduce heart rate, respiratory rate and blood pressure, leading to a lighter mood and countering depression. Listening to music requires neither pills nor treatment, only a good soundtrack.

Music is well known for its capacity to take off the edge in tough situations.

“It is definitely a stress reliever because of the emotion artists put in the songs for people to relate to,” senior Nikolai Soroko said.

Soroko, a member of the Palmetto Drama Troupe 1298, confirms that music has always been his escape from reality. Indeed, it gives the latter a chance to just listen and enjoy without thinking about anything else around him. While music is enjoyed, all worries get set aside in the moment.

“When I get back from school, I listen to music for a little bit in order to just relax before I begin to do my homework,” junior Emily Flores said.

Flores finds that doing so helps her stay more focused in her studies, since it allows her to let loose and release whatever she felt before the song began.

More and more hospitals are adopting music therapy for its effectiveness in helping with pain and stress management and promoting wellness. The American Music Therapy Association pointed out this therapy’s use in helping a large variety of populations; music aids people with Alzheimer’s disease, autism and other mental issues, thanks to its ability to inspire security and a positive mood.