Harmonizing with Hope: How the Magic of Music Can Alleviate Fall Depression
Fall is one of the most beautiful seasons of the year, with its colorful leaves, crisp air and recreating many fall family favorite food recipes. I know mine is anything pumpkin! However, for many people, it is also a time of increased sadness, anxiety, and depression. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) affects around 5% of the American population, with symptoms ranging from low mood to fatigue, irritability, and sleep problems. According to the American Psychiatric Association, “SAD typically lasts about 40% of the year and is more common among women than men.”
If you are feeling down during the fall season, one of the simplest and most effective ways to boost your mood is to listen to or play music. In this blog post, we will explore how music can help alleviate fall depression and provide tips on how to create the perfect fall playlist.
Music boosts your mood and releases endorphins
Listening to music has been linked to the release of endorphins and natural chemicals that trigger a positive feeling in the body. This is why music has such a powerful effect on our mood and emotions. By listening to uplifting and upbeat music, you can stimulate your brain to release endorphins, which can help counteract feelings of sadness, anxiety, stress and more. Playing an instrument can also have the same effect but you do not need to be a musician to benefit from its positive effects.
Music can reduce stress and anxiety
Music therapy has been shown to be an effective treatment for depression and anxiety. Studies have found that listening to calming music can help reduce stress hormone levels in the body, such as cortisol, which can contribute to feelings of anxiety, tension and stress. Creating a playlist of relaxing music on your iPhone or smart devices can help your body and mind to unwind and relax, reducing stress and anxiety levels. For more information on how music can help boost your mental health check out this article from the JED Foundation. Click Here for article
Music can evoke nostalgia and positive memories
Music has a powerful association with memories, and certain songs or genres can evoke positive memories and emotions. By listening to music that reminds you of happy times in your life, you can boost your mood and increase feelings of joy and happiness. From childhood classics to favorite college tunes, there is a wide range of music that can evoke a sense of nostalgia and positivity. I know when I listen to the Muppets theme song it immediately brings a smile to my face.
Music can improve your sleep quality
Sleep problems are a common symptom of depression and anxiety, and poor quality sleep can exacerbate these symptoms. Listening to calming music before bed has been shown to improve sleep quality and reduce sleeping problems such as insomnia. According to the Sleep Foundation, “Music has been shown to decrease levels of a stress hormone called cortisol. Music triggers the release of dopamine, which can boost good feelings at bedtime and may help manage pain”. To help your body and mind unwind before bed and to improve your sleep quality, pre-select some relaxing sounds or songs that you can put on a playlist and play while you start to settle in. Don’t forget to put your earbuds in as your calming music may be a distraction to your sleeping partner. Not everyone responds to music in the same way.
Music can provide a sense of connection and community
Music has the power to bring people together and create a sense of connection and community. By attending concerts, listening to live music, or even joining a choir, you can create a space where you feel connected to others through the shared experience of music. This social support can be an invaluable tool for combating feelings of loneliness and isolation, which are common in fall depression. If you are unable to find a community music group you can start to create musical moments with your family by creating a family dance party playlist, which is always fun and entertaining.
Music is an underrated but powerful tool for combating depression and improving mood and emotions for those struggling with mental health conditions and especially during the fall season changes. By creating a playlist of uplifting, calming, and nostalgic music, you can provide yourself with a simple but effective way to boost your mood, reduce stress and anxiety, improve your sleep quality, and create a sense of connection with others. So go ahead, create your ultimate fall playlist, and see how music can improve your mental health and wellbeing this season. Or if you are a musician, get out your guitar, sit at the piano and get a pot/spoon from the kitchen to create some rhythm and create a family band and rock it out through the changes of the fall.
Did we miss anything out? Let us know how music helps you get through the possible challenges of the Fall season. Also, we’d love to know some of your favorite calm songs that we can collect to create a playlist together.
For more information contact:
John Mews, LMFT, MT
CEO & Founder - Mewsic Moves
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Music Therapist
Email: john@mewsicmoves.com
Phone: (818) 877-6797
Web: www.mewsicmoves.com