The Healing Power of Music

Summertime is the time to relax! But some of us have real trouble relaxing and putting down our worries. We might pop on a pair of earbuds and find some music to help us.

Music releases dopamine, the reward chemical, which makes us feel good. People who listen to music they like have dopamine levels up to 9 percent higher than others—one of the first scientific indications of how helpful music can be.

Music helps some of us keep the beat when we’re running, or to push even harder when we’re strength-training—both good activities for improving depression.

Check out the following links, which tell more about the many reasons why music is so healing!

• American Psychological Association: Music and mental health
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): The Impact of Music Therapy on Mental Health
• Social Work Helper: Why Music Is Good for Your Mental Health

If you listen to music to help you relax, what type of music do you prefer? Share some playlists with us!