The term “Music Therapy” may bring up the image of a professionally trained  “Music Therapist” interacting with a child, adolescent or adult in a hospital, rehabilitation facility or office, in order to help them deal with stress. These applications are well known and very helpful.

I recall how impressed I became with the field of Music Therapy when I worked at Miami Children’s Hospital years ago. A Music Therapist was involved in a research study, in which two groups of children were given two different experiences during surgery. One group of children had surgery with head phones and music, and another group of children had surgery without head phones and no music. The results: The group of children who had music during the surgery asked for less pain medicine after surgery!

It was wonderful for the effects of music to be quantified in this way. I had also heard of a research project involving plants, although I cannot verify this study. I was told that one group of plants were exposed to classical music, another group of plants were exposed to New York City street noise, a third group of plants were exposed to rock music, and the last group of plants had complete silence. The results: The plants exposed to classical music grew the most and were the healthiest! I think the worst result were the plants exposed to New York City street noise.

The purpose of this article is to inspire readers to embrace a simple practice of listening to inspiring music….whatever it is for you…..in a conscious and therapeutic manner, in order to create feelings of calm in the midst of challenging moments.

For example, if you are going through a hard time (such as a health issue causing you fear), a relationship issue (such as a death or a divorce), financial problems or any life challenge, taking a “mini music vacation” can change your mood and improve your health, even for a brief period of time. For example, people who meditate can lower their blood pressure. Listening to music can be a meditation.

You can select music that creates a feeling of calm when stressed,  or happy and upbeat music if you feel down or depressed. It is always important to honor all emotions, rather than deny or repress them.

3 KEYS TO CREATING “A MUSIC THERAPY” STRATEGY:

1) Write out a list of songs that have special meaning to you, and which are associated with happy times.

2) Keep these musical selections handy so that you can listen “in the moment”.

3) If you are not in a situation where listening to music is possible, have a “play list” in your head. Imagine that your mind is a metaphoric radio, and you can “hit a button” and recall a song, including the lyrics and melody. If you are able to recall the tune and/or lyrics during times of stress, just play the song in your head! This is a technique similar to self hypnosis or guided imagery, In fact, as you sing the song to yourself, you could also imagine sights, sounds, aromas and feelings of a time in which you felt peaceful or happy.

While a few moments of “music therapy” cannot completely fix serious and complicated emotional problems, the music will provide a “mini-vacation” so that you will rest, re-group, and have more coping skills to handle life’s challenges.

If you are experiencing severe anxiety or depression, it is best to see a licensed mental health provider.