In recent years, music has entered my life as background sound: a catchy tune on the radio in among all the other daily noise. I sing along, or not, and life goes on. Recently on a long trip home, I realized that I may have been overlooking the power that it has to be medicine in my life.
Accidental ABBA.
It had been a particularly difficult day emotionally and I had a long drive home from an unfamiliar town. I needed the GPS on my phone to connect with my car speaker, but I was struggling with the tech. Eventually, I got it to work, but only if it connected to my music library (something I rarely access these days). I drove off, feeling overwhelmed and teary, when suddenly after, “Turn left in 500m,” Dancing Queen started playing. Abba was the first thing on my playlist. What a surprise! I took advantage of being by myself to blast it and sing along. Song after song played, as I sang my way onto the highway. I felt so much better. Empowered. Joyful.
Music As Medicine
Music is such a simple but powerful medicine. I forget that. I benefit from it when it appears but I rarely use it intentionally. I’m learning to be deliberate about my use of music. I’m adding it to my wellness tool kit as a possible remedy for feeling unmotivated, or anxious or overwhelmed.
Research Into Music’s Healing Powers
Music is vibration and there is recent research into how these vibrations can relieve pain and symptoms:
The researchers found that listening to and playing music increase the body’s production of the antibody immunoglobulin A and natural killer cells — the cells that attack invading viruses and boost the immune system’s effectiveness. Music also reduces levels of the stress hormone cortisol.*
For me, different music works for different feelings. It helps to shift me out of uncomfortable emotions and into a more positive flow. I’m being more intentional about how I use music in my life.
What are some of your favourite music medicine choices? Comment below.
*https://www.apa.org/monitor/2013/11/music
Retired, And Now What? 
Regae, steel drums, – instant Caribbean holiday mood!
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When I need a release I listen to Nessun Dorma or Madame Butterfly or Swan Lake, (the final pieces), have a good fast cry and get back to my stuff. It really works “We Rise Again” can also work pretty well!
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