In recent years, “meditation”, “music therapy”, and other related buzzwords have likely made their way onto your various social media feeds. Mental health has become quite a trendy topic, and its relationship with music has become a popular point of discussion as well. But is there really a connection between music and mental health? Many cultures believe so, the ancient Greeks being one of them. Thousands of years ago, the Greeks celebrated Apollo, the god of music and healing. It was no coincidence that music and healing were ruled by the same god. Even then, there was a noted connection between music and health. But in recent years, music therapy research has continued to support that a relationship between music and the mind exists. Here are three ways in which music can positively impact your mental health.

1. Music can improve your mood.

It’s probably no surprise to hear that music can impact your mood. Athletes may listen to upbeat music in order to energize themselves before a big sports game, whereas sad songs may provide consolation to someone after a fight with a partner or friend. Data supports a relationship between music and mood as well. A 2013 study in music therapy research asked participants to try to improve their mood while listening to either the upbeat music of Judy Copeland or the somber music of Igor Stravinsky. The results found that participants who listened to Copeland “successfully improved their moods in the short term and boosted their overall happiness over a two week period.” [1] This can be attributed to the medicinal benefits of restorative music. If you’re having a rough day, music may be an effective way to get you back into a better headspace.

2. Music can positively impact memory.

Music also has the ability to improve how we learn. Studies have shown that listening to music may positively impact our concentration and memory. A 2014 study had participants complete a memory task, with half the subjects listening to classical background music during the task and the other half not. The results showed that the half “who were listening to classical music outperformed those who worked in silence or with white noise.”[2] A bit of background music might make the difference if you’re struggling to concentrate or retain information.

3. Music can lower stress levels.

Music can be an effective way to relieve stress in high-pressure situations. As part of a music therapy research in New York, cataract surgery patients were divided into two groups: one receiving ordinary care and the other receiving the same care, while also being allowed to listen to their choice of music before, during, and after their surgery. The study found that the patients who did not listen to music maintained high blood pressure at all points of the procedure, “while the pressures of those who listened to music came down rapidly and stayed down into the recovery room.” Such are the medicinal benefits of restorative music. Additionally, those who listened to music “reported that they felt calmer and better during the operation”.[3] Music has the ability to lower blood pressure, heart rate, and perceived stress levels. Plus, it is accessible and low-risk, making it a popular stress relief strategy.

Given the many medicinal benefits of restorative music, it is no wonder that so many people use it to maintain a healthy mental state. The data reflects what many already feel to be true: music can positively impact your mental health. By listening to the right music, it’s possible to improve your health and experience both short and long-term benefits.

Written by Brooke Kessler