the music it has been part of humanity practically since the beginning of its existence. In fact, archaeologists have found and discovered, relatively complex bone instruments over 40,000 years old. Certainly our ancestors probably made music in more rudimentary ways long before, so it’s no wonder it’s so fundamental to the development of human beings and their continued psychological well-being.
There is no doubt that the COVID-19 pandemic and the difficulties people have experienced in the last year have affected mental health. In this sense, music is an excellent tool to relieve tension and help healing.
music therapy, more precisely, is a field of medicine in which music is used to treat various ailments. There is evidence that it provides short-term beneficial effects for people with depression; that it improves the overall condition, social functioning and quality of life of people with schizophrenia or schizophrenia-like disorders; that it significantly improves social communication skills in children with autism spectrum disorders; and many other benefits as a therapeutic tool complementary.
According Everett Kalcec, Family physician at Mayo Clinic Health System in Waseca, Minnesota; we may use some of his techniques to help our mental health.
Be creative with music
Making music is often more powerful than listening. You don’t have to be a musician or a musician with classical training and you don’t need an audience. Sure, you can sit down and play the piano, but playing in the shower or in the car is probably just as useful. No matter how you do it, find a way to make music.
Builds and strengthens bonds
Music has always been an activity of social connection. If you don’t feel comfortable making your own music, you can make listening stronger by listening to someone else. In the current context, this requires creativity. You can listen to a song with a friend on Zoom, or play music that you and a neighbor enjoy. Also, if you and someone else have a song that you share as a special song, you can send the song for them to listen to and then make a call when the song is finished. If you are quarantined together, listen together.
Improve your mood
Music is often related to some of the deepest and most resilient memories and emotions. If you feel depressed, remember the music you listened to for a happier moment. Whatever it is, it can improve your mood.
Switch to the music
In many cultures, music and dance are closely linked, so much so that one seems incomplete without the other. So listen or play music and dance, alone or with company. We all need to move more than we do, even in normal times.
There are many ways, and no one wrong, to switch to music. Many places offer things like dance classes online, and on YouTube we can find hundreds of routines for all tastes. You don’t need anything fancy. If you can find a way to listen to music and move your body to the beat, go for it.