If you are suffering from anxiety and depression, it’s likely that you’ve tried a variety of different methods in the hope of improving your mental health. When it comes down to your mental health, listening or playing music is an activity which certainly should not go under the radar. If you are having issues with anxiety and depression, it might be worth engaging in musical activities as this can help calm your mind and reduce any stress. For decades, music is somewhat seen as a tool that helps us get through life’s greatest highs and lows. Whilst music taste is wholly subjective, it’s undeniable that music can impact our mood.
So how can music actually improve mental health in the long run? Find out here from the counselling training experts at Key Counselling Training!
Distraction
If you’re looking for a distraction away from the stress and chaos of everyday life, then there is nothing better than music. It doesn’t matter if you’re listening to music or actually playing an instrument, the soundwaves have the ability to transport you away and provide a much-needed distraction. In fact, a study conducted in 2019 discovered that college students who listened to classical music for two months actually experienced decreased levels of anxiety. It might also be advisable to choose a song that has a different storyline to whatever adversity you’re facing. Just like when you read a book, you want to be immersed in the story and feel separated from reality.
Helps to Communicate
When you’re feeling anxious and stressed, it can be difficult to communicate how you’re feeling. Not every emotion can be described with words, so why not use music as a way to express your feelings? If you can’t communicate how you’re feeling, it might be a good idea to find music lyrics that mirrors your own feelings. By using music lyrics, you’re able to express how you’re feeling through the perspective of someone else.
Community
One of the main advantages of actually playing an instrument is the sense of community that is attached with it. Whether you join the school band or local choir, music can help you to build bonds with others and reinforce social relationships with others. If you don’t want to actually partake in playing music, you can always find people who share a passion for the same kind of music. This is effective because it is known that being involved in a community is known as a way to improve mental health.
At Key Counselling Training, we provide counselling training and cbt therapy training in Devon, Birmingham and throughout other areas in the UK. If you’re looking for ways to help people relieve stress and anxiety, then our counselling training gives you all the required training and support required to become a qualified counsellor. To find out more about the services we provide, then get in touch with our team today.