Welcome back to our deep dive into why music is, quite literally, the therapy we all need. This is a kind of blog 1.5 if you like as it's an extension to my first submission on Tuesday. (I'm just avoiding talking about real science really....but don't tell anyone!)
Today, we’re breaking down the specific ways music keeps us from going entirely off the rails, with each benefit supported by science and, yes, humour—because if we’re discussing mental health, we might as well smile while we do it.
Stress Relief: The “I Can’t Even” Playlist
Let’s face it—life’s full of stressors, from the mildly annoying to the downright maddening. We’ve all been there: stuck in endless traffic, knee-deep in unfinished to-dos, or looking down the barrel of yet another family obligation. And what do we often reach for to pull us back from the brink? Music. It’s that instinctual reaction many of us have: turn up the volume, and let the stress fade away (or at least get drowned out by some bass-heavy beats).
Studies consistently show that music has a measurable impact on stress levels, notably by lowering cortisol, the stress hormone that’s often working overtime in our bodies. Research out of McGill University found that participants who listened to music before undertaking stressful tasks had noticeably lower cortisol levels than those who didn’t. When we cue up our “I Can’t Even” playlist, what we’re really doing is flipping a biological switch that tells our brain, “Take it down a notch; everything will be alright.”
Now, imagine a world without our beloved stress-relief playlists. Gone are the smooth jazz that quiets the mind, the lo-fi beats that guide us into flow, the ambient tracks that make us feel like we’re at a spa. Without these musical tools, the world might just feel like it’s permanently set to “overwhelm.” No wonder so many of us treat our go-to playlists as essential as our morning coffee. A well-curated playlist might actually be saving lives—or at least saving our sanity.
And here’s a thought experiment for those who doubt music’s impact: many people keep a “desert island playlist”—songs they couldn’t live without if stranded with nothing else. But have you ever met someone who had a “desert island maths puzzle book list”? I rest my case.
As a musician, I see this importance of music in managing life’s stressors up close. When I play the Last Post at funerals, it’s never just “background music”—it’s a shared emotional moment, a way of connecting people’s memories to something larger than words. Each piece chosen isn’t random; it’s meant to express, honour, and ultimately comfort. Whether it’s a favourite song that defined a moment in someone’s life or a powerful classical piece, these tracks become symbolic, a sort of emotional shorthand that speaks to the heart without needing to say a word.
Next time life’s stress levels start to peak, just remember: your “I Can’t Even” playlist isn’t merely a playlist; it’s an anchor, a coping tool, and maybe—just maybe—a bit of sanity in a chaotic world.
Emotional Regulation: Soundtrack to Our Feelings
Music isn’t just background noise—it’s a reflection and sometimes even a transformer of our mood. Let’s be honest: there are few things more satisfying than a song that perfectly matches (or dramatically exaggerates) our current emotional state. Had a rough day? Play something cathartic, crank up the volume, and let it out. Feeling on top of the world? Queue up that banger that makes you feel invincible. In fact, studies show it works. Research published in the Journal of Positive Psychology found that participants who listened to upbeat music reported elevated moods in as little as two weeks—a potent reminder of music’s mood-lifting magic.
And let’s talk about motivation because, let’s face it, some of us need it more than others. Take running, for example. I hate running. Really, deeply hate it—like peel-my-skin-off-and-roll-in-salt levels of hatred. Like...have I made my point? We're not a fan! And to top it off, listening to myself panting along?
Pure torture.
Enter the playlist. My trusty running playlist on Spotify practically rescues me. With every beat, I’m a little less aware of my gasps and a little more motivated to keep moving. And if my legs are about to quit? A good beat kicks in and suddenly, I’ve found a new gear. (Or maybe I’m just running away from the sheer horror of silence, who knows?)
Then there’s the natural alignment of music and breakups. Is there anything more universally true than the fact that we turn to music to wallow, to rage, and eventually to rally? It’s like an emotional soundtrack, guiding us through the stages of heartbreak, one soul-baring chorus at a time. And just as easily as it plunges us into the depths of our feelings, music lifts us back up. It’s there to celebrate our highs, accompany our lows, and, ultimately, see us through whatever emotional rollercoaster we’re on.
Social Connection: Bonding Over Beats
Music isn’t just about the melody—it’s a powerful social glue that connects us in ways even the best conversation can’t always match. Why else do we cram into concerts, cheer on tone-deaf karaoke performances, or harmonize (badly) in the car? Shared musical experiences bond us over a song, a beat, or even a poorly sung chorus (not naming names, but let’s just say my wife knows her way around an “enthusiastic” car rendition - some people seem to have the motto "just because I can't sing doesn't mean I won't"!)
Psychologists have shown that group singing and dancing trigger endorphins, those delightful brain chemicals associated with happiness and connection. A study led by Robin Dunbar at the University of Oxford found that participants who sang together felt a stronger bond and even greater pain tolerance afterward—a testament to music’s power to connect us in both spirit and nerve endings.
Concerts and singalongs are more than just fun events; they’re exercises in social bonding. Research published in Psychology of Music points out that music encourages prosocial behavior (think kindness, cooperation, and trust). In one experiment, strangers listening to music together reported feeling more “in sync” with each other than those who didn’t—a phenomenon that points to music’s ability to turn complete strangers into a shared rhythm-bound crew.
Who among us hasn’t found a new friend—or at least an unforgettable memory—thanks to a shared “guilty pleasure” tune? We bond over the joy (or horror) of musical taste, whether it’s a head-banging anthem or a nostalgic pop hit. Even if we lack much else in common, music brings us closer, offering a universal language that speaks volumes with just a few notes. So, whether belting out a classic in the car or stumbling into a new friendship over a shared playlist, music remains the anthem of connection.
Music: Mindfulness for the Spotify Generation
Music can work wonders for our focus and calm, similar to mindfulness exercises. Research from the American Psychological Association highlights that certain types of music—especially calming tracks or classical pieces—anchor us in the present, helping us focus and tune out distractions. It acts as a “mental tether” that encourages attention regulation and emotional grounding.
For those who find chanting “Om” in yoga classes a bit much, a good ambient playlist might just be the solution. Think of it as mindfulness for the Spotify generation: no yoga mat or awkward poses required—put away the downward dog. Just plug in, hit play, and let the rhythm take over.
Studies on music and mindfulness show the brain actually synchronises to rhythmic patterns, helping foster a calm, meditative state. In fact, researchers found that slow-tempo music can lower heart rates and reduce cortisol levels, giving us a sense of peace. So, whether you’re tuning in to some lo-fi beats or classical compositions, music has a unique ability to quiet the mind and bring you into the present moment without needing to contort yourself into strange positions
Wrapping It Up
Music isn’t just entertainment; it’s emotional support, community builder, and zen master rolled into one. So next time you hit play, remember: you’re not just listening to music—you’re investing in your mental health.
To read other blogs by me please visit www.musickids.org.uk/musical-minds-blog where you can find them all.
To read the first blog in this series (and links really rather well with this one) go to www.musickids.org.uk/post/setting-the-stage-for-the-sceptics
Next time we start getting clever. I promise..
Why Music Isn't Just Background Noise: The Case of iTunes “From relaxation to resilience: How music impacts the brain and why we should take it seriously.”
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