I love music.
No, seriously, I listen to music 24/7 and genuinely find it hard to do certain things without music.
I don’t really have a favourite genre in music, and end up making a million different playlists for different vibes. You have the “crying at 3 am sesh”, the “Bollywood songs that slap different”, the “random pop” playlists, the list goes on and on. To be completely honest, my playlists represent my personality and my various moods. Music is more than just noise, it’s fuel, an inspiration and most importantly-.
Geez, I sound so philosophical. But in all honesty, have you ever wondered why music has such a huge impact on not just people, but all living things?
“Music is magic. With music, we soar, relax, and unwind. It is sensual refreshment that completes us.”
In my opinion, enjoying music is a spiritual connection. Music has no prejudices - no race, no religion, no age. Timeless and ethereal, music is as personal as it is universal.
The power of music is truly underrated- The lyrics may hurt our soul, or do the opposite and heal our soul. As Oscar Wilde said, “Music is the art which is most nigh to tears and memories”
Music can get us in touch with our feelings and truly be with ourselves as the toil and bustle world fades out. On the other hand, music can help block unnecessary feelings and serve as a welcome distraction. And hey, I’m not just marvelling and glorifying the undeniable power music holds. History attests to this argument which is truly remarkable.
Did you know that modern music therapy originated in the aftermath of the Second World War when the staff in veteran hospitals noticed that music benefitted their patients in ways that standard treatments could not?
Music Therapy? That sounds interesting. Does it work, and if so, how?
Music boosts levels of dopamine, a feel-good chemical neurotransmitter in the brain. Music also boosts the immune system by increasing antibodies and decreasing stress hormones. It is due to this very reason that music alleviates symptoms of anxiety and depression, improving social and occupational functioning.
If you’re someone who works out, I’m sure you have a go-to playlist. Maybe you think it’s just great motivation. Aside from being a good distraction or a performance enhancer, music triggers the release of opioid hormones that relieve physical pain.
Man, that was super scientific, and granted I’m not a bio student, it was actually interesting to learn how there’s a whole science behind the magic of music.
Beyond scientific reasoning, music doesn't really need to be explained or proved. The world is a huge place with billions of people who come from different places, upbringing, ideas, and opinions. Music is one of the sole things in the whole world that connects us so effortlessly.
Think about it. It may be different types of songs, genres, eras, and artists. At the end of the day, we’re all connected by a tune, a beat, a melody.
That’s fascinating, isn’t it?