Sober Synthesis

Music has the power to heal, transform and inspire and we have the power through deep listening to increase our intuition and self-awareness. – Andre Feriante

• Music has a positive impact on the brain by promoting neuroplasticity (the brain’s ability to change its structure, function, and connections in response to stimuli). 
  • Music engages multiple brain regions, reshapes neural networks, and strengthens neural connections.
  • Music activates both neurochemicals and hormones.
  • Music evokes activation of premotor and motor circuitry in the brain and body.
• Music, singing, and dance evolved prior to spoken language.
• Activated neurons match the frequency of the music; your body itself becomes an instrument, triggering motions and emotions.
• Music can change our mood regardless of lyrics.
  • Happy music makes us happy, sad music makes us sad, etc. – music helps us process emotions-especially true for sadness/grief.
  • Sad songs can counter the sense of suffering alone by enhancing a sense of social connectedness or bonding. Research has shown that one of the strongest emotions elicited by sad songs is nostalgia.
  • Music can significantly reduce anxiety: study participants experienced a 65% reduction in anxiety after listening to Marconi Union – Weightless for 3 minutes.
• Studies show a statistically significant shift in the brains and bodies of people who deliberately listen to music for 10-30 minutes daily.
  • There is some evidence that music can improve gut microbiota by promoting an increase in beneficial bacteria and a decrease in pathogenic bacteria.

Research Validated Music Benefit Guidelines:

• Listen to your favorite music 10-30 minutes a day for overall physical and mental health.
• Listen to faster paced/happy music (140-150 bpm) for a minimum of 9 minutes to promote a mood change (irritated, bored) into a more improved mood state.
• Listen to fast beat music (140-150 bpm) for 10-15 minutes to increase motivation to exercise or do focused cognitive work. 
• Minimize listening to favorite music while performing focused cognitive work/learning. Rather, listen to music during breaks in cognitive work/learning to optimize positive effects of music. 
  • White noise or soft instrumental music is best for focused cognitive work.
• Listen to sad music, generally a slower beat (50-80 bpm) and in a minor key, for 13 minutes or more to help process sadness/grief. 
• Listening to novel music enhances neural circuitry and neuroplasticity for learning. 

Proposed question for thought or sharing:

1. How do you or will you start to incorporate music to enhance your overall health/wellness and your recovery?
2. For those of you that have or are attending “Harmony in Recovery”, how has listening to music together supported your health/wellness and recovery?

Disclaimer

This summary is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice, and no doctor/patient relationship is formed.