Top 3 ways to improve well-being through music

With or without lyrics, music is the universal language of the soul. It transcends forms and boundaries and speaks within our deepest humanity.

To be in sync with harmony calls for self-reflection, self-regulation and self-expression. It increases motivation and happiness. When shared through experiences, it even harnesses meaningful relationships.

Janine Marie Flores, a professor in the Music Production Program of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde School of Arts, Culture and Performance (SACP), stresses how music can enhance one's mental, emotional, physical and social well-being.

Janine Marie Flores, a professor in the Music Production Program of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde

“It has many therapeutic effects,” she states. “It can assist, manage and reduce stress, decrease anxiety. It may increase self-esteem, strengthen coping skills and more.”

Through music therapy, a clinical and evidence-based treatment, individuals can maximize the power of the art to improve their holistic wellness. With the guidance of a credentialed professional, objectives are tailored and specific needs are met.

To further encourage the general public to utilize the wonders of melody for their overall health, Flores, who is currently pursuing her Master of Arts in Music Major in Music Therapy at St. Paul University Manila, shares the top three tips one can explore in their day-to-day life.

Write music with or without words and improvise with various sounds and rhythmic patterns.

Create a playlist. Specific types of music bring out certain emotional responses. This may be similar or different from one person to the other. Some may feel calm listening to rock or pop music, others find solace in ballads or jazz.

Identify feelings brought by particular genres. Use these to manifest calmness, improve the mood, spark creativity or inspire movement. If you want to shift from being upset to feeling happy, start with sad songs. Then, add happy-themed songs to change the mood into a more positive one.

Create a playlist and identify feelings brought by particular genres.

Sing. Singing releases endorphins and oxytocin, the “feel-good hormones.” It helps relieve pain, alleviate anxiety and stress, and boost mood. It also eases muscle tensions, corrects posture and refines breathing. It improves our lung capacity as we need to take deep breaths in order to sing properly. The act may even sharpen mental alertness, boost our confidence, increase our socialization skills and develop more friendships.

Write songs. Interpreting difficult circumstances through music fosters self-expression, stress relief, and self-esteem. You can write music with or without words and improvise with various sounds and rhythmic patterns. This allows one to acknowledge, process and regulate emotions. Substitute your own words for lyrics. Play an instrument with an unplanned melody. Create a new tune.