What do you do when you're feeling down? The answer for many people is obvious: put on some headphones and listen to your favorite mood-lifting tunes. Many studies have been published recently that confirm what most people know: music is powerful, and has the ability to treat everything from a down mood to depression. Whether you're listening to '80s hits with a pair of cheap ear buds or expensive Klipsch speakers there's simply no denying the power of music.
Music has been used as a therapy for depression and sadness for thousands of years, finding a place in every culture. Many people have cited music as an important factor in their life while recovering from depression, illness or even a simple bad day. There are even people that respond better to music than medication and traditional therapy! Today music therapy is offered to many people that don't respond to other forms of help and the benefits are obvious.
The emotional tie that bonds people to music also has an interesting effect. Most people have memories of dancing around their bedroom to an upbeat song to cheer up, although it seems music does not have to be cheerful to banish depression. Listening to music that mirrors the feelings of sadness can work just as well, perhaps due to feelings of empathy and understanding. As William Congreve put it, “Music hath charms to soothe a savage breast, to soften rocks, or bend a knotted oak.” Music has the power to transform the way we feel, both physically and mentally. It can bring to life happy memories, as well as fade the painful ones. Music in all forms is perhaps the most magical and meaningful creation in our history.
Guest post by Robbie. He is a dedicated music fanatic, and has spent a lot of time pondering the power and influence of music on society. He is a consumer, through and through. He writes for http://www.technected.com and is working on a personal site that is soon to come.
