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The Importance of Gratitude and Music in Mental Health Wellness
We are in the midst of one of the biggest holidays in the United States, Thanksgiving. Many families traditionally host family dinners and create memories and focus on things that they are grateful for during this holiday season. As a marriage and family therapist as well as music therapist, in our practice at Mewsic Moves we focus heavily on the power of gratitude and incorporating music as it is an important element of mental wellness. I try myself to practice gratitude daily to maintain optimum mental wellness.
Gratitude and music therapy are both powerful in their ability to positively impact mental and emotional well-being. I would like to outline the connection between gratitude and the impact or benefits of music in mental wellness.
Gratitude
1- Positive Psychology:
Gratitude is a central theme and focus in positive psychology. Practicing gratitude involves acknowledging and appreciating the positive aspects of life, which can contribute to increased happiness and life satisfaction. Gratitude also can trump negative or fear thoughts they cannot exist at the same time.
2- Emotional Well-Being:
Having consistent practice of gratitude has been linked to improved emotional well-being. Expressing thankfulness can reduce stress, enhance mood, and contribute to a more positive outlook on life. Research has shown that consciously practicing gratitude can reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. In fact, studies have found that a single act of thoughtful gratitude produces an immediate 10% increase in happiness, and a 35% reduction in depressive symptoms.
3- Social Connection:
Gratitude often involves recognizing the contributions of others. This can strengthen social bonds and relationships, fostering a sense of community and support which is important in mental wellness.
4- Mindfulness and Presence:
Gratitude practices often encourage individuals to be present in the moment and become mindful of the positive aspects of their day to day lives. This can help reduce anxiety and promote a sense of peace.
Music Therapy
1- Emotional Expression:
Music has the power to evoke and express a wide range of emotions. Music therapy can serve as a channel for individuals to express and process complex feelings, including gratitude either through playing or listening to music.
2- Stress Reduction:
Listening to or creating music has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety. Music therapy provides a structured and therapeutic environment for individuals to engage with music as a means of relaxation or mindfulness. Get your free meditation download here from our amazing music therapist, Zach.
3- Enhanced Mood:
Music has the ability to influence mood and emotions. Music therapists use music interventions strategically to help individuals first validate and then shift their emotional states, working on achieving a more positive and uplifted mood.
4- Connection and Communication:
For individuals who may struggle with verbal expression, music can serve as a powerful means of communication. Music therapy facilitates connection and self-expression, even for those who find it challenging to convey their emotions verbally. Mewsic Moves offers multiple groups for clients to connect.
5- Cognitive Benefits:
Music therapy has cognitive benefits, such as improved memory, attention, and problem-solving skills. These cognitive enhancements can contribute to a more positive and empowered sense of self. Some music therapists are also trained in Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT) which specialize in working with clients with neurologic conditions such as Autism, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and more that focuses on the cognitive benefits of music on the brain. All of our therapists are trained in NMT.
6- Community and Support:
Participating in music therapy sessions can create a sense of community and support. Group music-making or shared listening experiences foster a feeling of belonging and shared purpose. At Mewsic Moves we have multiple groups that focus on the importance of community connection and support such as: Glee Choir, Rock Band, Music in Recovery, Musical Minds and more. Click here to view our group supports.
7- Therapeutic Relationship:
The therapeutic relationship between the music therapist and the individual is crucial. The therapist uses music to create a safe and supportive space, allowing individuals to explore and process their emotions, including gratitude.
How to Integrate Music in Your Gratitude Practice?
1- Gratitude Journals with Musical Elements:
Integrating music into gratitude practices, such as keeping a gratitude journal, can enhance the experience. Individuals might reflect on moments of musical joy or create playlists that represent things they are thankful for.
2- Expressing Gratitude Through Music:
Music can be a unique and creative way to express gratitude. Composing a song, playing an instrument, or even selecting a meaningful piece of music can serve as a personal expression of thanks.
3- Mindful Listening Practices:
Incorporating mindfulness and gratitude into music listening experiences can deepen the therapeutic impact. Paying close attention to the nuances of the music and appreciating the auditory journey can enhance the mindfulness aspect of gratitude.
4- Music Playlist of songs to reflect gratitude:
Making playlists on your smart phones or devices of songs that reflect gratitude can be an easy way to reflect on gratitude through music and songs from your favorite artists.
In summary, both gratitude and music therapy contribute to emotional well-being and can be integrated for a holistic approach to mental health and wellness. The combination of these practices can offer individuals unique and meaningful avenues for self-expression, connection, and optimum mental wellness.
We’d love to hear from you…What is your favorite gratitude song?
Mewsic Moves offers individual as well as group therapy support to help clients optimize mental wellness. We offer a FREE 15 minute consultation and look forward to supporting you. Click here to schedule your FREE consultation.
Why is it Important to Teach Your Child to be Thankful?
Does your child have a lot of expensive things, such as an iPad, Xbox, Nintendo DS, DSI, or an iPhone even?
If so, did they receive these gifts as a reward? Or have you been showering these expensive gifts on them simply because they are your child? And when they received these gifts, did they express their gratitude?
Over the years I have seen children with the most expensive shoes, gadgets, and clothes. Many of these children had severe behavioral problems, like acting out in school and/or showing disrespect for their parents and teachers. I asked the parents how they received these gifts, and I found that often these gifts were given for no particular reason - not even because it was their birthday or Christmas.
I believe that children who aren't taught to express gratitude will face many difficulties later in life. Positive psychology demonstrates that the more we are grateful, the happier and more fulfilled our lives will be. Betsy Brown Braun , a child development and behavior specialist, states that not only is it mannerly to say "thank-you," but that thankfulness is connected with living a happier, more resilient, empathic and self-fulfilled life.
I had the good fortune of being born into a very giving family. Yes, things were given to me when I didn't necessarily deserve them. But fortunately my parents also taught me to be grateful for the gifts I had received.
Teaching children to be thankful can be a challenge because as they naturally develop their sense-of-self, they tend to become self-centered. But, a child that has learned to be grateful will have better social skills, empathy and self worth.
As a music therapist I have taught children to be thankful through music. I was inspired by the season of Thanksgiving to write a song entitled, "I am Thankful." This song includes two tracks, one with vocals and one without so you can sing along and insert the things for which you and your child are thankful. The song also comes with a lyrics sheet and chords so you can play along if you are musically inclined. One mother told me she played this song to her two young boys and was excited to hear them going through the house singing about the things they were thankful for!
Here is an easy way to teach your child to be grateful. In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I am offering a 50% DISCOUNT on this song through the end of November. All you need to do is click on the picture to the right and type in this code when you place your order: THANKS
Get it soon as it is only available until November 30th! And share with as many people as you can!
Gratefully yours and Happy Thanksgiving!