It doesn’t matter if you love metal, pop or EDM (electronic dance music – for those who were wondering…), music can help your mood and help you cope with (or even take control of) tricky emotions.

It has been generally accepted that both listening to and creating music can have various positive effects on mood and mental health.

Incorporating music into your everyday life can help to:

  • elevate your mood and motivation
  • aid relaxation
  • increase the efficiency of your brain processing.

Last Thursday 10th May, we took part in Chesterfield’s Connect 5 Mental Health and Wellbeing event at the local Assebly Rooms. We had the pleasure of meeting with the many local organisations providing valuable mental health and wellbeing support as well as been treated to a performance from the wonderful Qdos Creates Community Choir who are based at West Studios just down the road from our office.

We provided a paper-marbling workshop and also premiered our electronic table drum for visitors to play with.

The event was a forerunner to Mental Health Awareness Week which runs from the 14th to 20th May.

Music is more than just a form of entertainment and there are lots of links between music and mental health.

But how exactly can you use it in your day-to-day life? Check out some of the ways here:

Focus – Classical music is a winner at helping you focus. Music that has a tempo of 60 bpm (beats per minute) increases the efficiency of the brain in processing information. The best way to use it is to have it playing softly in the background as you get on with your tasks.

Expression – The next time you’re finding it hard to talk about or express your emotions, try turning to music for help. Creating your own music – whether simply strumming a guitar or composing lyrics to a song – can help you express and process your emotions. It’s more about how it makes you feel, than how it sounds. Remember that no one ever has to hear your music if you don’t want them to.

Social connection – Music can stop you from feeling lonely or isolated. Whether it’s sharing playlists with your friends, or meeting new, like-minded people at your favourite band’s next gig, music connects people.

Creativity – Did you know that listening to or making music allows your brain to think creatively? So, whether it’s a creative project you need to complete, or some new ways to improve your mood, try some different types of music and see what works best for you.

Relaxation – Okay, so this isn’t a huge scientific breakthrough, but it’s worth repeating: music helps you to relax. If you choose the right kind of music, change into some comfy clothes and put your feet up, it’s a safe bet that you’ll feel relaxed in no time.

Motivation – You need to vacuum the house/study/get some exercise, but you just can’t get off the couch? Use your favourite music as a motivational force. Crank up the volume on a killer tune and chances are you’ll find it that much easier to get started.

What can I do now?

  • Try music as an aid the next time you feel emotional or lonely, or when you need some focus and motivation.
  • Make a playlist of your favourite music, either for yourself or to share with friends.

Check out our FeelGood! playlist. These are the songs the guys at Kakou listen to when we need that extra motivation or an emotional hug.