Music and the mind

 

Music and the mind! A beautiful topic, just four words but having deep meaning and impact to the human soul. Music is so broad, with lots of genres. You can be a lover of instrumentals or acapella, whichever one you may prefer; they are all forms of music. It goes way back, even to the very beginning of human existence in times of war. Bringing happiness, sadness, calmness, and other emotions to the human mind and soul. Today, I’ll be talking about music and its relation to our minds as human beings. I personally have experienced a lot under the influence of music. Some were beautiful while some were sad. Before I tell you my personal experience, let me tell you how music could help your mind or preferably your mental health.

 

It helps you study

Classical music is the secret behind this. Usually having a frequency of 60bpm (beats per minute). It helps when studying, by allowing your brain reason at a faster rate. It’s worked for me numerous times, especially when dealing with a difficult course.

 

It helps you relax

Most people know this. You just got home from the day’s work. Nothing feels better than a good song to calm your mind and body.

 

It helps you express yourself

This has affected me personally; sometimes when I’m down I just listen to music. I found it easy to express my emotions even by writing. I have a friend who expresses herself by writing which was triggered by songs she listened to.

 

Boosts your creativity levels

Listening to music boosts your ability to be creative, especially if you are a writer or a painter. This could help if you have an unfinished project and lack inspiration to continue.

 

Helps motivate you

Sometimes when you want to dance, study or workout, music can serve as a means of motivation when you are feeling reluctant. All you need is the right track and you are good to go. This has helped me during workout sessions.

 

All these mentioned above are ways in which improves your mental health. Now, let me share a few experiences with you.

 

Music has impacted a lot to me. There have been times when I’m emotionally down, maybe due to daily activities or even a break up. At this point in my life, what I did was pick up my phone and listen to my favorite hip hop playlist. In just a few minutes, I was already up on my feet singing and dancing. This experience is an evidence of how music brought back that happiness I needed at that crucial moment of my life. Just like that, no counseling required, nothing just music and it felt magical. Also, as a writer, there were times I just lost it. There was no inspiration to write, I literally just went blank. I was confused and frustrated because I had to finish that project urgently, but nothing was coming. So, what did I do? At first, I tried reading, it didn’t work and felt like mental stress. Okay, so I decided to take a nap. When I woke up, I felt refreshed but still lacked the key inspiration needed to continue. Almost giving up, I unconsciously picked up my phone and started listening to few classical music and love songs. It may sound unbelievable but little by little, the inspiration started coming back. I was amazed and happy and continued with my writing. This is a life experience.  Even during my workout sessions, especially when I’m out jogging I love listening to hip hop or nice instrumentals that keep my groove going. It gives me all the motivation I need and makes me want to go on for hours.

 

So, what am I driving at with all these experiences? Just three words, MUSIC IS LIFE!

A world without music is unimaginable and undoubtedly boring. Trust me you wouldn’t want to be in that world. Most times, what music does to us can’t be explained; it can only be simply felt. As far as it makes you feel good, I’ll say you should keep listening. In fact, I have come to notice that most people who live or have a boring lifestyle either have a poor sense of music or don’t listen at all. There’s is even something called music therapy where music is used in hospitals to treat patients and aid recovery. Even in the aspect of psychology. So you see, music is everywhere and constantly part of us.

 

Make music a lifestyle today and experience the wonders and beauty it has to offer.

Feel the beat and enjoy the rhythm.

Written By Kalu Faith