How Music Helps Me Stay Mentally Stable

I love music. In fact there is not one genre of music I don't like. I can listen to anything, party, dance, rock, pop, blues, country, and the list goes on... Music has a good impact on my mental health; however, what I choose to listen to depends on the mood I am in during the day, and if my mood changes, what I listen to does too. For example, if I am in an angry mood, then I usually listen to heavy rock. The reason why is because much of it is explosive (like my anger) and as a result, it helps me to get those angry emotions out without harming myself or others. If I am in a good mood, then it's dance and this is brilliant, because I tend to do a lot of housework, and I often end up dancing to it.

Music has expressive benefits too. When I feel the need to express my emotions, I tend to listen to music I can sing to, like the songs of LeAnn Rhymes, usually "But I Do Love You." I am training to be a singer and this is one song I am learning. It teaches me to love myself and if I get mad at someone I love, it reminds me to be loving to them. Another favourite of mine is taken from Buffy the Vampire Slayer and that is the musical Once More With Feeling. "Rest in Peace," which is sang by James Marsters (Spike) has become a firm favourite of mine. It's one of those perfect songs to sing when your husband or lover lands you in a mood. The tone is expressive, in the sense that it expresses love, anger, frustration, and confusion, all the things you feel after a major argument with your husband or lover. "Coward of the County" by Kenny Rogers is very close to home to me. The song is about morals, a young boy brought up to believe "you don't have to fight to be a man" and "it doesn't mean your weak, if you turn the other cheek." However, the boy's girlfriend Becky gets hurt by another man, and he realizes he must fight to protect her, and he doesn't turn the other cheek. In this verse of the song, the singer changes from man to boy, to express his opinion which is "sometimes you need to fight when you're a man." The moral here is you're a man if you can walk away, but you're also a man if you protect those you love. I find this one very intriguing to listen to.

The other thing about music is any kind can get me dancing, and dancing is a great work out for the mind and the body. It can turn you into the teenager you once was at a disco. Dancing is my most favourite past time; if I hear music I start to dance, whether standing up, in my chair, or on the table! Music for me relieves stress, anxiety, anger, and many other emotions associated with mental health. I also study better when I'm listening to music.

I have created many compilations of my favourite songs on Spotify. The good thing about this is all my songs are grouped under one label and that means I can listen, rather than spend time, searching for all my favourites. The other great thing is, if you're a Spotify user, you can find thousands of different styles there. I often spend time browsing and it's amazing what I find. I have added my "self-care" Spotify list here for you to listen to, and I am sure you will enjoy it as much as I do. Happy listening!