The music it has been part of humanity practically from the very beginning of its existence. Archaeologists came to find and excavate, in fact relatively complex bone instruments over 40,000 years old. Sure, our ancestors probably made music in more rudimentary ways long before, so it’s no wonder it is so fundamental to the development of people and their continued psychological well-being.
There is also no doubt that the COVID-19 pandemic and the difficulties people have faced in the past year mental health. In this sense, music is a great tool to reduce tension and help heal.
The music therapy, specifically, it is a field of medicine in which music is used to treat a variety of conditions. There is some evidence that it has short-term beneficial effects for people with depression; that it improves the general condition, social functioning and quality of life of people with schizophrenia or schizophrenia-like disorders; that it significantly improves social communication skills in children with autism spectrum disorder; and many more benefits as a therapeutic aid complementary.
According to Everett Kalcec, Family Medicine at Mayo Clinic Health System in Waseca, Minnesota; it is possible to use some of his techniques to improve our mental health.
Be creative with music
Making music regularly is more powerful than listening. You don’t have to be a musician or classically trained musician and you don’t need an audience. Sure, you can sit back and play the piano, but singing in the shower or in the car is probably just as helpful. However you do it, find a way to make music.
Build and strengthen tires
Music has always been an activity social binding. If you don’t feel comfortable making your own music, you can empower listening by listening with someone else. In the current context this requires creativity. You can listen to a song on Zoom with a friend or play music that you and a neighbor like. If you and someone else have a number that you share as their special number, you can send the number to them to listen to and then make a call when the number ends. If you have been quarantined together, listen together.
Improve the mood
Music is often linked to some of our deepest and most resilient memories and emotions. If you are feeling depressed, think about the music you have been listening to for a happier time. Whatever it is, it can improve your mood.
Move to the beat of the music
In many cultures, music and dance are intimately linked, so much so that one seems incomplete without the other. So listen or play music and dance, alone or with company. We all need to exercise more than we do, even in normal times.
There are many ways, and not a single mistake, to get to music. In many places things like dance lessons are offered online, and on YouTube we can find hundreds of routines for all tastes. You don’t need anything special. If you can find a way to listen to music and move your body to the beat, go for it.