Music Therapy: It Helps Relieve the Stress
University of Iowa Health Science Relations
First Published: November 2000
Peer Review Status: Internally Peer Reviewed
- People can react with emotion to music, which may help
patients get in touch with their feelings or even make them
stronger. Music can be a social activity, and groups of people can
get together and share common thoughts and feelings. Lessons on
keyboards, guitars, or other instruments can improve self-esteem
and encourage constructive use of leisure time. Studies show it is
easier to move or do repeated tasks while listening to music--imagine an
aerobics instructor or exercise class without music. Music is also
a powerful distracter from pain and painful procedures.
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- You can use music to distract yourself from pain. First of
all, the music being used must be chosen by you. Next, try and
think, hum, or sing words to the music if it has some. If not,
concentrate ontapping your toe or finger to the beat of the music--even
watch yourself doing this so you are focusing on the actual
movement of your finger or toe. Or you might try thinking of
pleasant memories you have which are associated with the music. Concentrating on
one of these three things will help distract you from the
pain.
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- Pain sometimes seems greater if you are scared or are feeling
stressed. Try using music to help you relax; but remember, it
might take some practice and energy on your part. If you are
feeling anxious or stressed, try matching the music to your mood. It
might mean first listening to some music that is faster or has a
distinct beat. Then slowly change the music so it is more flowing
or mellow as you calm down and slow your breathing.
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- Try using music as a social activity. Join a community chorus
or band, a drumming group, or church choir or take lessons on the
instrument that you always wanted to play. It's never too late to
learn to play an instrument. You can form new and supportive
relationships by doing these activities or by simply
attendingdifferent concerts and recitals.
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- You can also use music to make your exercise routine more
interesting and fun. You can pick music that will help give you
that "pumped up" feeling--or the feeling of pacing yourself along
your walking route. Many recordings are available which are steady
and have a certain amount of beats per minute.
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- Music can be used to help calm us down, to have more energy
and get more things done, or to distract us from pain. It allows
us to react with emotion--it's okay to cry, feel chills up the
spine, or get a lump in the throat. In this way, we might figure out feelings
that are locked inside of us.
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- So although you might not be a music therapist, you can use
music in your daily life to make yourself feel better or more
energetic and to have the best quality of life possible for
you.
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