One thing that has definitely saved me in this lifetime is music. It’s carried and lifted me up through some of the roughest times in my life. It’s aches and joys match up so perfectly with mine. It’s never not there for me.
I’m sure everyone can relate to that feeling when you come across an old song and all of those feelings from that point in time come back within a matter of seconds. It’s like reading an old favorite book; every line or verse is permanently ingrained in your being. That song is a little piece of you, and you of it. Music wouldn’t be without us, nor would we be without it.
According to the Journal of Positive Psychology, playing music helps improve one’s memory, as well as supports the formation of associations and memories. Since memories are stored in neurological pathways, music's ability to activate such large areas of our brain serves as a powerful stimulus for evoking memories. In fact, music can be so effective at stimulating memories that it's sometimes used to help Alzheimer's disease and dementia patients grasp portions of their former selves. Not only that, but it can significantly improve our motor and reasoning skills.
Music activates brain regions that are involved in movement, planning, attention, and memory -- meaning that when we listen to music, we aren’t just simply processing sound, it’s more meaningful than that. It's repetitive, melodious, organized, and unifying. There’s a science to it.
The saying “music is good for the soul,” is not just a saying, it’s a fact. Research has shown that listening to music improves the mood, as the “feel good” neurochemical, dopamine, is released as soon as we press the play button. Yes, listening to music actually shifts our brain chemistry.
Some researchers say that people use music the same way they use drugs: in search of some kind of escape. Music can reduce pain, help people recover from stroke or other injuries, and it can also improve our cognitive skills. Some may find this science of music a little intrusive, as it has the ability to bring back certain memories that we might not want to recall, but I feel like that makes it all the more interesting. It brings out all parts of you, not just the ones you want to remember.
If all else fails, know that music will always be here for you. Music speaks what cannot be expressed. It digs deep into each individual soul, and acts as shorthand of emotion. It is the universal language of mankind. It is the cheapest therapy there is, besides nature. Take advantage of it.
