Music is Healing

By Sarah Schramm

Have you ever been driving down the road when a song comes on the radio that fits you perfectly? If you are anything like me, you replay that song as much as you can to cope. We all have struggles that we face every day, whether it is school, work, family or even friends. Music is the one thing that can comfort you into knowing you are not alone.

Did a boy break your heart? Listen to any of Taylor Swift’s songs, and it will make you feel better or cry more.  https://youtu.be/D1Xr-JFLxik. There are so many songs in this world to be there for you. Teenagers play a big role in the music industry because we use it in our everyday lives. Music doesn’t even have to mean anything to you. The song could just be a song that you enjoy, and that is okay too.

Music allows every person to bring out their creativity even when they don’t realize it. Now when most people think of creativity, they think of pretty colors and paintings. However, in music there are different genres to suit everyone. If you don’t like slow music, try that loud rock song. If rock is too loud and obnoxious, try a country song. Don’t listen to a song just because it is popular. Listen to the song because you like it. If no one likes one of your favorite songs, who cares? Music will only benefit you if you allow it to. My personal favorite music is country because the songs are about stories or life lessons I can easily relate too.

Some people think of music as entertainment in which it can be. However, it has been proved to be healthy for you. I know this is hard to believe, but it is true! An analysis of five studies on music for depression concluded that music therapy is not only acceptable for depressed patients, but it actually improves their moods. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/emotional-wellness/Pages/Music-and-Mood.aspx. For example, If you are feeling very down and a child comes up to you singing “You are my sunshine” wouldn’t that put a smile on your face. Music can also help out businesses with people spending more money. Grocery stores play music to make people feel comfortable and to take their time. Dental offices sometimes play music so their patients won’t be nervous.

Neuroscientist Dr. Petr Janata of the University of California said, “There’s something about music engaging in musical activities that appear to be very stimulating for the brain and body.  https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2010/january/feature1.htm. Music also impacts education. For example, learning the ABCs song is very helpful by making it easy for children to learn the alphabet. It’s very easy to remember something when there is a catchy tune to it.

We may not think of all these things when a song plays, but that is the beauty of it. Music is healing as long as we allow it. It’s important to always listen and surround yourself with positive uplifting songs. Billy Joel said, “I think music in itself is healing. It’s an explosive expression of humanity. It’s something we are all touched by. No matter what culture we’re from, everyone loves music.”  https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/b/billyjoel133275.html

            My name is Sarah Rose Schramm. I am a college student at Motlow State Community College. Music has changed my life, and I know it can change yours, too! Without music, life would be very dull and time wasted. If you are new to the music industry, here are some of my favorites. I love “Thunder in the Rain” by Kane Brown. It always puts me in a great mood. https://youtu.be/deYe_h9CM8c. Sometimes when I need to calm down and clear my head, I listen to Classical music. https://youtu.be/Fnzn-3oXEUI. The song that has really hit the charts this week is Closer by The chainsmokers. https://youtu.be/PT2_F-1esPk?list=RDPT2_F-1esPk.