Music is the Best Form of Free Therapy

Music is everywhere: it’s a huge part of every society, every culture, everything we do in life is supported by music. (Unless, of course, you are deaf – which, coming from a hearing person – sucks to even think about). Music comes in all metaphorical shapes and sizes. It can be short and sweet, or long and mind-boggling. I think that is why music is so important; it fits any kind of taste, it helps prevent loneliness, and it has even been proven to be good for both physical and mental health!

I say music can fit any kind of vibe because it is just so broad of a thing. There is music to match any kind of mood, situation, event, or place. There are even apps just dedicated to listening, streaming, and finding new music. Music is versatile. It is fun one moment, and the next it makes you bawl your eyes out. Genres of music can dictate mood, and playlists can help you organize your feelings. In addition, it adds to scenery. For example, driving down PCH with your windows rolled down is already a vibe, but listening to a beach-y playlist, smelling the salty air can only enhance that experience. Music helps you create good memories by associating things and places with it.

Music is also a great background noise for when you feel lonely. It can be seen as a distraction, to get your mind off of negative thoughts, or as a useful tool to lift your spirits. In a study I found, they researched what affect music had on mood. People in the study said that music gave them comfort (in familiarity), is seen as a distraction – like I said previously – and is seen as a “surrogate for an empathetic friend”. In other words, music is always there for you in your time of need.

One may ask “Why use music as a way to cope with loneliness? Why not use another person to confide in?” And as terrible as I may seem for saying this, some people do not have another person to confide in. Music is the less expensive alternative to therapy (though it might not be as effective), and is easier and more accessible than going out and making friends; especially considering the fact that we are still stuck in a pandemic. Music always knows what to say when you are down, and can make you feel like you are being wrapped up in someone’s arms.

My last point is that music has been proven to be good for both physical and mental health. Music makes you feel good because it is like a workout for your brain – except this work out doesn’t make you ache nearly as much, afterwards.

Music has been proven to:

Improve mood and focus
Reduce stress
Lessen anxiety
Improve memory
Ease pain
Provides comfort
Improve cognition

In short, music is a great, easy way to make yourself feel great. Music is also easily accessible, and not nearly as expensive as normal therapy. In addition, music fits any taste, and it helps alleviate loneliness in a way a therapist cannot. Music is also much less stigmatized then going to therapy is. If you cannot seek professional help, music may be a good – if less effective – alternative.