Music is a pervasive part of our daily lives, whether we notice it or not. Often, it melts into the background – on the radio, in the doctor’s office, at the supermarket or in the gym. While other times, it plays a more pronounced and overt role – if you’ve ever been to a Tony Robbins event, then you know how critical the playlist is. But what you may not know is just how profound the impact music has on us.
Music has the ability to impact us in a way that no other art form does. It unearths something deep within us that allows us to be transported to a specific place and time in our lives. We can actually experience who we were through sound. Have you ever considered the soundtrack of your life? What would it be? And how does each song make you feel?
This is the power of music. But it doesn’t stop at nostalgia.
Humans are hard-wired to enjoy music, since it activates the brain’s reward system – the part of the brain that signals to us whether something is important, valuable or necessary for survival. When we hear music that we enjoy, our brains release dopamine and we experience a natural high. It’s the same process that happens when we eat or have sex. But here’s the thing – unlike food and sex, music isn’t just about survival. It’s so much more than that.
Music is one of the most powerful tools for self-expression that we have. It allows us to think and to feel in ways we may not be naturally pre-disposed to. It has the power to expand our cognitive range. It has the power to move and inspire. It has the power to connect. And it even has the power to heal.
Music as medicine
We all know that music can evoke certain emotional responses. A zen-like playlist, for example, can lull us into sleep. Or soft, melodic tunes can help relax us after a hard day at work. But did you know that music can actually translate into physiological benefits?
