Without music Life Would B-FLAT

By Isla

Music is an ever-present part of our daily lives, whether we’re at work, in the car, or simply watching TV. Not only does it reach us on social and emotional levels, but many describe it as spiritual. Music can bring us back to ourselves, be our mirror, and give us back memories we may have forgotten or never knew existed. So how does something as simple as small vibrations through the air benefit us so much?

The idea that music can influence feelings and behaviours probably doesn't come as a surprise. If you've ever felt strangely energised while listening to your favourite party anthem or been moved to tears by a sweet love ballad (looking at you, Ed Sheeran), then you easily understand the power of music to manipulate your thoughts and emotions. But the psychological effects of music can be more powerful than you might think. For example, music therapy is an intervention sometimes used to help patients cope with stress or anxiety, and boost psychological well-being. It involves playing, listening to, or even composing music, developing self-esteem and communication skills in a safe and relaxed environment. Music therapy is usually something utilized by people with mental disorders and disabilities as a way of coping, but even listening to music at home has benefits:

• It can raise your IQ and academic ability. Research shows that children who play instruments or take singing lessons have a significantly better academic performance than children who don’t take lessons.

• It can bring back lost memories. Even I, young as I am, had forgotten a lot of things about my childhood that I never would have remembered had I not found my mum’s favourite band from the time, The Fratellis. It can also help with memorising things like notes or oral tests (top tip for exams!).

• It can increase physical performance during workouts. Studies have shown that if we’re focused on listening to our favourite albums, we won’t notice the extra mile we’ve just run or extra half hour of cardio. While I don't exercise particularly, I can vouch for the fact that blasting those tunes make for a great solo dance party (Just Dance, anyone?) anytime you're feeling down.

To me, music is one of the only constant things I've had in my life. It's been there all the time; whenever I need motivation, a mood uplifter or even just a good cry, I always turn to music. So create a playlist of happy songs, or take up an instrument. Sing loud and long, choreograph a dance routine. However you do it, it’s guaranteed that music will always make you feel just a tiny bit better.