Did you know that humans have been creating — and listening to — music for 40,000 years? One of the reasons why it’s remained such an integral part of human culture is that it serves a wide range of functions. It brings extra romance to weddings; we use it for joy; and yes, it can be a powerful tool for people going through tough periods.
When going through difficulties, be it a relationship break-up or life transitions, music can be there to comfort, soothe, and oftentimes remind you that better times are ahead. In this post, we’re going to run through a few tried-and-true ways that music can support you during challenging periods. Different methods will serve you at different points, depending on what you’re going through, but if you’re a music lover, then we’re confident that at least one will be of service.
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Attending a Live Show
In the age of streaming, we often forget that music was originally intended to be heard live, not recorded. There’s something powerful about seeing musicians perform in the flesh, and it’s not just about the performance itself, but that you get to share the experience with so many other people.
You don’t necessarily need to get tickets for one of your favourite bands to get the emotional benefits of attending a concert. Some of the best performances you’ll ever see will come from seeing up-and-coming bands, and they play every night of the week in major cities. In other words: going to a concert is nearly always an option.
Listening To Music That Resonates
ne of the reasons why people connect with music so much is that it’s able to express thoughts and feelings they’re experiencing, but haven’t been able to articulate. Whatever you’re going through, there’ll be a song that deals precisely with that issue. In some cases, music can even help to reframe your view of your difficulties. Songs such as Love and Affection by Joan Armatrading champion vulnerability as resilience, in which asking for care is considered a strength. That’s exactly the type of thing that many people need to hear when tough times arrive.
Listening To Your Favourite Music
You don’t necessarily need to seek out new music when going through tough periods. Sometimes, the best thing you can do is put on your headphones, load your favourite music, and simply sit back and listen. Listening to your favourite music has been shown to raise dopamine levels, offering a pleasant reprieve from what you’re going through.
Writing Your Own Songs
Some of the best songs ever written were born as a result of hardship. You don’t need to be a world-class musician to write your own song. Even basic melodies accompanied by lyrics can be an effective way to express what you’re feeling. Writing the lyrics, particularly, can be a useful method for dealing with tough experiences. It doesn’t matter if you never share the song with anyone; the important thing is that you’ll have created something positive and lasting.
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