Millenni-eyes: Music

It shaped my personality, my interactions, my style, my imagination. Depending on the song, my confidence might have peaked, or I may have willingly entered a state of depression that oddly satisfied my need to emotionally express my current situation.  Give me a call in the 90’s and I would have purposely let it go to voicemail so you can hear my smooth voice tell you to “leave me a message and I will get right back to you” while some cool R&B song plays in the background.  

Music therapy is not uncommon, and this evidence-based intervention is popular for mood regulation.  Neurologic Music Therapy “provides stimulation and structure to the brain, introduces timing, grouping, and synchronization for better organization, and recruits parallel brain systems.” Binaural beats therapy is a form of sound wave therapy that involves slightly different frequencies being received through both ears.  Medical News Today notes benefits of listening to binaural beats as reduced stress and anxiety, increase focus and memory, or deeper meditation.

For me, the melody of a song, the beat, and rhythm provides a structured consistency that sets an uncertainty I have at ease. Other times, it is the story that the singer expresses that can be processed in relation to the perceived problem.

Discussing emotions and music lyrics in a safe therapeutic space can be helpful for many people needing an outlet to process struggles, while also gaining insight into their feelings. If you feel that anxiety is getting in the way of your daily activities, it is best to reach out for professional help. For tips and tricks on reducing anxiety, reach out to therapeutic practices such as GO! Therapeutic Services & Supervision, LLC or The Hardy Clinic, where expert therapists help you manage and learn skills to reduce unhealthy thoughts or behaviors.