How Music Can Benefit Mental Health: A Harmonious Path to Well-Being
At RekordShop, we’re more than just a hub for aspiring young musicians, DJs, and producers—we’re a community built on the values of creativity, collaboration, and support. We believe in the transformative power of music, not just as an art form but as a tool for mental well-being. Whether you’re producing beats, mixing tracks, or simply listening to your favorite tunes, music has the incredible ability to heal, inspire, and uplift. Let’s dive into how music can benefit mental health, backed by research and trends that resonate with young people today.
1. Music Reduces Stress and Anxiety
Life can be overwhelming, especially for young people navigating school, work, and personal growth. Music has been scientifically proven to lower cortisol levels, the hormone associated with stress. A 2020 study published in JAMA Network Open found that listening to music significantly reduced anxiety levels in young adults. Whether it’s calming lo-fi beats or high-energy EDM, music provides an escape and helps regulate emotions.
At RekordShop, we encourage you to explore different genres and find what soothes your soul. Who knows? Your next track might be someone else’s stress reliever!
2. Music Boosts Mood and Fights Depression
Ever noticed how a great song can instantly lift your spirits? That’s because music triggers the release of dopamine, the “feel-good” chemical in your brain. Research from McGill University shows that listening to music you love can increase dopamine levels by up to 9%, similar to the effects of eating your favorite food or winning a prize.
For young musicians and producers, creating music can be even more empowering. The process of composing, mixing, and sharing your work fosters a sense of accomplishment and purpose, which are key to combating feelings of depression.
3. Music Enhances Focus and Productivity
Struggling to concentrate on your studies or creative projects? Music might be the answer. Studies have shown that instrumental music, like classical or ambient tracks, can improve focus and productivity. This is especially relevant for young producers and DJs who spend hours perfecting their craft.
At RekordShop, we’ve seen how the right playlist can turn a studio session into a flow state of creativity. So, plug in your headphones, hit play, and let the music guide your focus.
4. Music Builds Connections and Community
Music is a universal language that brings people together. For young people, collaborating on music projects or attending live events can foster a sense of belonging and reduce feelings of loneliness. According to a 2023 report by Spotify, 78% of Gen Z listeners say music helps them feel connected to others.
Our youth club values at RekordShop emphasize collaboration and community. Whether you’re jamming with friends, sharing your tracks online, or performing at one of our events, music creates bonds that last a lifetime.
5. Music Encourages Self-Expression and Emotional Release
For many young people, music is a safe space to express emotions that are hard to describe. Writing lyrics, producing beats, or even curating playlists can be a form of therapy. A 2021 study in the Psychology of Music found that young adults who engaged in music creation reported higher levels of emotional resilience and self-awareness.
At RekordShop, we celebrate the unique voices of young artists. Your music is your story—share it with the world and let it heal yourself and others who resonate with your sound.
Trendy Ways to Incorporate Music into Your Mental Health Routine
- Create a Mood-Boosting Playlist: Curate a playlist of songs that make you feel empowered, calm, or joyful.
- Try Music Meditation: Apps like Calm and Headspace offer music-based meditation sessions to help you unwind.
- Join a Music Community: Whether it’s an online forum or a local group, connecting with other music lovers can boost your mental health.
- Experiment with Music Production: Dive into RekordShop’s resources to learn how to produce your tracks. The creative process is therapeutic!
Final Thoughts
SBTV founder Jamal Edwards is on a mission to break the stigma around mental illness. In this documentary Jamal meets musicians such as Dave, Sasha Keable & more plus health professionals to talk about the influence of social media, the pressure of being in the public eye, and why musicians are three times more likely to suffer from depression than the general public.
Let’s make music, make memories, and make a difference—one beat at a time.
🎶 Your Sound. Your Sanctuary. RekordShop. 🎶
Free2Talk Mentoring
100’s of young people across Northamptonshire have taken part in our Mentoring programs. It can have a massive impact on your well-being, confidence & resilience. The Free2Talk team can offer expert support in different areas. We tailor it to your interests so that you can get the biggest benefits. We can meet up for 1-2-1 chats at your school, college or wherever suits you. The sessions are delivered around what you want to achieve. As a team, you and your mentor make those goals into a reality.
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS)
CAMHS provides specialist mental health support for children and young people under 18. They offer assessments, therapy, and crisis intervention.
Phone: 0300 111 1010
Website: www.nhft.nhs.uk/camhs - Northamptonshire Mind
Northamptonshire Mind supports young people aged 16-25 with counseling, wellbeing workshops, and peer support groups. They also offer resources for managing stress, anxiety, and depression.
Phone: 01604 634310
Website: www.northamptonshiremind.org.uk - Kooth
Kooth is a free, anonymous online platform offering counseling, self-help tools, and forums for young people aged 11-25. No referral is needed.
Website: www.kooth.com - Youth Works Northamptonshire
Youth Works provides early intervention mental health support for young people aged 11-18, including one-to-one sessions and group activities.
Phone: 01604 628349
Website: www.youthworksnorthants.co.uk - The Lowdown
The Lowdown offers mental health support, sexual health advice, and counseling for young people aged 13-25 in Northamptonshire.
Phone: 01604 634385
Website: www.thelowdownnorthampton.co.uk - Shout
Shout is a 24/7 text-based crisis service for young people struggling with their mental health. Text “SHOUT” to 85258 for immediate support.
Website: www.giveusashout.org - Northamptonshire Youth Counselling Service (NYCS)
NYCS provides free, confidential counseling for young people aged 11-18, helping with issues like anxiety, depression, and self-esteem.
Phone: 01604 632139
Website: www.nycs.uk
References:
- JAMA Network Open, 2020
- McGill University, 2019
- Spotify Gen Z Report, 2023
- Psychology of Music, 2021
