Music is a powerful tool that we are lucky to have at our fingertips. Music keeps you company. It’s there. It speaks to you. Music doesn’t judge you. You don’t need to talk. It understands you. Music speaks your feelings. It comforts you. It makes you feel less alone when you live alone.
There have actually been studies and research done on this by the Institute for Music and Neurologic Function and University at Buffalo., along with others. Sure, I could go on and on about the studies, experiments, and their findings. But if you’re interested in that, you could easily just click the links or search for more studies.
But instead, I’m choosing to give you a glimpse into my own life with my own personal experiences. Then I’m going to…
A Day in My Life
I’m a first grade teacher and I’m in my twenty-third year of teaching. I’m not as young and energetic as I used to be and I’m starting to feel the burnout. After every busy day of school, most of my coworkers go home to their families and it’s time for round two! I honestly don’t know how these incredible teachers do it everyday. We are meeting the needs of over twenty children, problem solving, making decisions, nurturing their young minds, and answering questions all day long. It can be extremely overstimulating. And then they go home and do the same there. I, however, go home to a very quiet house! Yes, it definitely has it’s perks: I don’t have to talk to or listen to anyone and I don’t have to worry about anyone but myself. It’s just peace and quiet. Ok, ok, I’ll stop rubbing it in.
But sometimes it can get lonely. Sure, I could call family and friends or make dinner plans with them. But at the end of the day when I’m completely exhausted, I enjoy the peace and quiet. Until it gets too quiet.
That’s when music comes in as a powerful tool to keep my mental health in check.
Music as My Tool to Battle Loneliness
I let my mood guide me to what music my mind and soul needs to experience. For instance, if I had a really chaotic day and I really need to calm my mind down, I will put something on that has a slower, more relaxed vibe. That usually will help lower my heart rate with its soothing melodies. I will also make sure I am playing songs/albums that I’m already familiar with. There is a certain level of comfort knowing what I’m listening to. It’s like a comfort blanket. It is used, warn, soft, and familiar.
Some days may be more frustrating than others. So if I have a lot of frustration built up, I tend to put on some 90s rock or rap and belt out all of my emotions. To me at least, it is kind of like venting to a friend, minus all of the whining and complaining they would have to endure from me.
On days when I wish I wasn’t alone, I will put on a familiar artist who I really relate to with their lyrics. I listen to their storytelling and make a connection with the artist. Or I’ll play music by an artist that I know will bring up some great memories. It is amazing how certain songs will bring you back in time to a certain part of your life or even a specific event or person. Nostalgia wraps you in a soft kind of magic and is so good for the soul!
Summary
Music has a special way of bringing people together and it is often enjoyed in the company of others. Additionally, music is such a powerful tool to benefit from when alone. There is no right or wrong way to use it. What is important is to listen to what your soul needs at the moment. Pay attention to your mood and think about which songs and artists feel like an old friend and will keep you company.
I haven’t blogged in quite a while. There are some reasons for that which I may or may not go into in future posts. However, I plan on writing more consistently again and sharing how our mental health benefits from music, along with personal stories and random thoughts. I will also start updating my vinyl recommendations again for you to share what I’m listening to. I hope you have been well during my hiatus and I’m looking forward to reconnecting with all of you again.
Peace and love,
Melissa
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This was great! And I’m glad you are writing. The “why” you haven’t written in a while is not as important as just doing it. I love to write. I’m not the greatest at sharing what I write with others though, so I admire your courage.