Utilizing Music to Alleviate Mental Stress and Transform One's Thoughts, Feelings, and Behavior

Much like a sculptor uses material or a carpenter uses wood, a sculpting tool, and a carpenter uses hammers and saws, music has been my tool for navigating life's stressors. Music is a powerful medium that can help us alleviate mental stress and enhance our overall well-being. However, merely listening to music for temporary relief is not enough to bring about long-term changes in the way we think, act, and feel. Let's explore how music can be a catalyst for transformation.

Mood-Specific Music Choices

Music can be a personalized remedy for different moods and emotions. For example, when I feel angry, hard rock helps me take action. Similarly, when I am feeling overwhelmed, classical music offers a comforting and calming effect. On the other hand, when I am in a good mood, K-Pop liven up my spirits. My daughter introduced me to K-Pop, and ever since then, it has become a source of joy and happiness.

While music can provide immediate relief and enhance our moods, it is the deep dive into our fears, guilt, and shame, and letting go of them that have truly changed my long-term outlook. This process is not pleasant, but the feeling of being unburdened and unchained is unparalleled. Transforming our thoughts, feelings, and behavior requires us to confront and release these negative emotions, which is a challenging yet rewarding journey.

Music as a Tool for Professional and Personal Growth

With music being my career, I have used it in the same way that various professionals use their tools. Just as a sculptor uses stone and clay, a carpenter uses wood and tools, and an accountant uses spreadsheets and calls to the IRS, I use music as my tool in my career. In my professional life, I have felt stress, especially due to workload from school. During such times, I took breaks and sang along to songs, either by playing them on my phone and singing along or by playing instrumental tracks and singing to them. This process helped me feel happy, reduced my stress, and allowed me to accomplish more.

The Impact of Different Genres of Music on Mental Stress

Research and personal experience alike show that listening to different genres of music, such as hip hop, house, jazz, techno, downtempo, and ambient, can significantly reduce mental stress and bring about a positive transformation in our thinking, behavior, and feelings.

Slow and soothing music helps lower cortisol levels, increase dopamine levels, and reduce stress. This type of music relaxes the mind, slows down breathing and heart rate, and helps you focus on more positive thoughts. Meditation with music is another effective stress management technique. Music can be particularly helpful when you feel depressed or stressed.

Conclusion

Music is a versatile tool that can help us alleviate mental stress and enhance our overall well-being. While it can provide immediate relief, the real transformation comes from confronting and releasing our fears, guilt, and shame. By incorporating music into our daily lives, we can improve our mood, behavior, and mental state, leading to a more fulfilling and positive life experience.