"Music washes away from the soul of the dust of everyday life." - Berthold Auerbach
Music heals the wounds of the soul, repairing the body and making you feel whole.
I love music, I have been listening to music since the time I was born. I remember living in Ethiopia with my brother and watching the Backstreet Boys on TV as well as Michael Jackson trying to imitate them and it brought so much joy and happiness to our lives. When the music came on if we were having a depressed day, then it would automatically switch our mood instantly, then we would be grooving away. But why does music have this powerful effect, and how does it correlate to stress management. I wrote an earlier blog on music on my website, but I want to further expand on it and give it a more personal touch.
Music in etymology comes from the word "Muse", which means to reflect, ponder, meditate, and be absorbed in thought. So when you are listening to music you are essentially having the same effects as someone who is meditating. There is even a concept called music meditation as well because of it's powerful therapeutic effects. Now in your brain, you have neurotransmitters or hormones called the "happy hormones" which are oxytocin, dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins. When you listen to music you are stimulating all of these hormones in your brain and each one has a different take on your mind-body connection.
Serotonin: Plays a role in such body functions, such as mood, sleep, digestion, nausea, wound healing, bone health, blood clotting, and sexual desire. Listening to music enhances serotonin which enhances your mood and sense of well-being.
Dopamine: Plays a role in important body functions, including movement, memory and pleasurable reward and motivation. Listening to music enhances dopamine production significantly.
Endorphins: Are pain relieving hormones, which are released when you are stressed or feeling pain. Music releases endorphins, which give us a euphoric feeling of excitement, in addition to feeling euphoric, ease pain, and reduce stress.
Oxytocin: Known as the love hormone, which is produced during childbearing, also helps with building trust, positive social connections, and empathy. Music naturally enhances oxytocin which makes you feel more elated and energetic.
(Open Mic: Carleton University)
When I used to be a student at Carleton University in Ottawa, I used to always participate at Open Mic and perform many of the songs which I wrote during my break times. Music completely transformed my whole life and gave me the confidence to be able to speak to a crowd. This has translated to me being able to do business pitch competitions and even winning. All of the confidence music has given has definitely helped my well-being significantly. I remember channelling all of my emotions into some songs that I wrote and being very introspective and it helped relieve some pain that I had and even gave me so much inspiration. One song, went like this about me trying to change the world, its called Fisherman which was inspired by Apostle Peter who by Jesus was a fisher of men.
Fisherman rolling through the seas Giving hope for people to believe They're locked and the rod is the missing key It can either destroy or help the harvest reap Give you the eyes to see the ocean To get the opportunity, for your dreams to be in motion Feed a man a fish, for a day Teach a man a fish, feed him for eternity
This song inspired me in business and has always been my mindset to put people first and help them transform their life any way that I can. By doing this it has strengthened my WHY, giving me the strength to endure the most stressful and tiring days. Overall, music is a powerful tool to fight against stress and relieve your mind-body connection. I hope you all enjoyed the blog and stay tuned for tomorrow!! Peace!! :)
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