Contributing Writer: Claire Renfrew is a Chartered Psychologist who specialises in Music Psychology. After completing a Bachelor of Science in Psychology she then went on to complete a Doctorate focusing on the musical identities and lived experiences of professional orchestral musicians. Claire has written many articles about the positive impact music can have on mental health and wellbeing. As an Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, Claire continues to teach Psychology to many students and believes that education, music, and intercommunication are crucial elements to our sense of Self.

Music is seen as a fundamental element of being human. It enables us to obtain emotional regulation, a sense of freedom and discovery alongside purpose and fulfilment. Music alleviates, manages and reduces stress, anxiety and signs of depression. It can be an effective tool in relation to mindfulness. Not only can it help us to be present in the moment it can also help to recall some of our happiest and most favourable memories.

Music is our own individual interpretation of someone else’s story and a way in which we can bond and relate to someone we may not have met. It is a unique form of expression, which touches us in an emotive and creative sense. Music is essential to positive mental health and wellbeing. It motivates us to exercise and encourages social bonding; in-turn enhancing interpersonal communication skills. It supports healthy sleep patterns and relaxation, soothes physical pain and furthers learning. Music is seen as a badge of identity for who we are or who we choose to be seen as, which reflects our on-going journey of emotional expression.

Additionally, music is a therapeutic tool for sleep and relaxation, and has powerful effects on the body. It slows down breathing, lowers heart rate and blood pressure, eases muscle and physical tensions, reduces stress and anxiety, and triggers the ‘sleep-friendly’ hormones serotonin and oxytocin.

Engaging in musical activities contributes to feelings of social inclusiveness in individuals. For example, belonging to a choir. And it is proven that undertaking musical pursuits can enhance interpersonal communication skills. Taking part in musical activities is a way to connect to other people and gain new skills. Often a collective identity can exist for those who share musical activities together, a sense of community, a way to develop personal, social and professional relationships.

TIPS FOR MUSIC AND MINDFULNESS;

Make sure you have really good headphones that allow you to focus on the music properly and listen to music that you enjoy and feel you can connect with. This connection can be both in an emotional or physical sense. Take a deep breath and try to feel the music flow through your body. Feel how your body is responding to the music. Shut off your thoughts about other subjects by concentrating on the music and the story being told to you. Allow yourself to go on the musical journey.

The gift of this is that you can do this anywhere; from sitting on a quiet park bench to standing on a busy rush hour tube. It doesn’t have to be ‘calming’ music, music is a very subjective experience and even the heaviest rock tracks or fastest dance tracks can make an individual calm and promote positive mental health and wellbeing.