HOW MUSIC AFFECTS PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT??

BEATS OF GROWTH

In this blog, I’m exploring the intriguing question of WHY music is so influential in our personal development and HOW it can make a lasting difference in shaping who we are. Discovering that personal growth can be both enjoyable and effective with music is exciting, especially for those who struggle to find themselves. Don’t believe it? Keep reading to see how music might be the method you’ve been looking for!

DOES MUSIC ACTUALLY ACFECTS US?

People inevitably react to music no matter what race, culture, gender, age... because is a common phenomenon, a powerful tool to evoke stong emotional responses. One reason why it might be this way is through the endorphin release, hormones that the body produces to reduce pain and improve mood (Chiu y Kumar, 2003; Dunbar, 2008, 2009; McKinney et al., 1996). Research suggests that it’s not just listening to music, but actually performing it through singing, dancing, or drumming which help us feel good and even increase pain tolerance. This doesn't happen as much with just listening to music or doing low-energy activities. Active music-making also boosts positive feelings, which might be why group activities like dancing and drumming help people feel more connected. I can relate to this because when I'm outside while the wether is pretty cold and raining, I start singing and vibing to music until I get where I want to go, and it has helped me to enjoy the moment instead of complaining and being cold!

That's a little explanation of why our body naturally responds to music in a good way, aparently there are a lot of researches about this kind of topic, for example this one is very intresting where music therapy can successfully reduce post-operative pain (Good et al., 2001), improve the quality of life in terminally ill cancer patients (Hilliard, 2003), reduce heart and respiratory rate as well as anxiety levels in individuals receiving ventilatory assistance (Chlan, 1998), and may even be effective in reducing some of the behavioral problems associated with dementia (Sherratt et al., 2004). My favrite is the Iso principle, is a tool that matches a music listening experience to a current mood or emotion and then gradually shifts to music that represents a desired mood or emotion, so If you want to listen to a song that you pair with anger or sadness, go ahead, but don’t let it repeat too many times!

There's also another study that music helps memory, retaining essential information. This is because music memories are stored in the hippocampus, a part of the brain that's less affected by age or diseasses. This makes music a powerful tool for keeping memories intact over time. Music may activate memories and remind us of places, events or people.

     "OUR BRAINS AUTOMATICALLY FILL IN THE GAPS WHEN A SONG SUDENLY STOPS"

For example, shops use different music strategies to attract the audience the look and want for, and it's a fact that people depending on their age, have a positive reaction to the music and get influenced by it. And finally, music introduces us to new cultures and diverse communities.

LIFE'S TO SHORT TO NOT TRY 

Music is more than just sound it's a doorway to self-discovery and transformation. Listening to or playing music doesn’t just help reduce stress or sharpen focus; it becomes a sanctuary where emotions find clarity and chaos finds calm. It teaches us to open our minds, connect deeply with others, and truly understand ourselves. Through music, we learn to express the unspoken, to translate feelings into melody, and to embrace vulnerability with passion. Picking up an instrument is not just a skill it’s a journey of patience, resilience, and discipline, where every note is a step closer to becoming the person you’ve always wanted to be.

 MUSIC THERAPY

The following bullet points focus on how these types of activities can benefit us personally, professionally, and socially.

⊛ Listening to music in anxious situations can help reduce stress. For example, I often play music without lyrics, like jazz, while doing my homework. This type of music helps me concentrate better. I even have a playlist specifically for these moments, and it has been a great tool for managing my focus and staying on task.

⊛Waking up with the music you enjoy, will make you feel energizated and start with the right foot for the rest of the day, music increase body's production.

⊛Take a moment each day to listen to music and truly immerse yourself in the experience. Whether you're reading a book, doing your makeup, eating, or walking, really focus on the music and feel it. Explore different genres to discover what you truly enjoy so you can make the most of these moments. Music helps us process and navigate complex emotions, leading to a deeper understanding of ourselves and fostering greater self-awareness.

⊛ Music is a great topic between people, don't be shy and talk with people about it, music brings people together. Share about musical experiences, likes, concerts, festivals, or even random sing-along moments We spand our social networks cultivate empathy, and gain different prepectives of the world.

REFERENCES

Dunbar, R., Kaskatis, K., MacDonald, I., & Barra, V. (2012b). Performance of music Elevates pain threshold and positive affect: Implications for the Evolutionary Function of music. Evolutionary Psychology, 10(4), 147470491201000. https://doi.org/10.1177/147470491201000403

Da Costa Music Therapy Intern, M. H. M. M. J. a. M. M. K. B. M. T. I. J. (2024b, March 27). How music affects your mind, mood and body. Tallahassee Memorial Health. https://www.tmh.org/healthy-living/blogs/healthy-living/how-music-affects-your-mind-mood-and-body

Novotney, A. (n.d.). Music as medicine. https://www.apa.org. https://www.apa.org/monitor/2013/11/music

The influence of music on personal development. (n.d.). Humans. https://vocal.media/humans/the-influence-of-music-on-personal-development