Here is a musical prescription for the season.
Image by the Author
The world is divided into two kinds of people.
Some people embrace the Autumn season, mesmerised by the gradual change of leaves’ colours, waiting to indulge a Starbucks pumpkin spice latte.
And some people get depressed due to shorter and colder days, where serotonin levels drop.
No matter where you stand on the spectrum, we’re here for you. Here is a handpicked selection of genres to uplift the autumnal mood.
Music: A Remedy For Depression And Anxiety.
Music therapy has grown over the last decade, offering support for a wide range of issues, including stress, chronic pain, limited mobility, and high blood pressure.
Research has shown that music can complement traditional treatments to alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety by reducing the levels of cortisol — the stress hormone, and triggering the release of dopamine- the feel-good hormone.
Music therapy for depression is likely to be effective for people in decreasing symptoms of depression and anxiety. Music therapy also helps people to function in their everyday life. However, our findings are not complete and need to be clarified through additional research. — National Library of Medicine
Some specific genres can help to overcome the seasonal blues.
Lo-Fi Music — To Focus and Relax.
‘Lo-Fi’ music* stands for “low fidelity.” Fidelity is a synonym for “quality” in the music world, meaning low-quality music. The term first came up in the 1950s.
In a retrospective review, Pitchfork credited the Beach Boys for “basically inventing” the lo-fi sound that would influence later artists
The Beach Boys were one of the first groups to include cassette tape sounds and distortion in their releases on purpose as an artistic choice. — Music Grotto
Made out of 4 Key Elements — Repeating Drum Beats, Retro Vibes, Music Sampling and Chord Progression — Lo-fi is now declined in different subgenres: Lo-Fi Hip Hop, Lo-Fi Rock, and Lo-fi Experimental. Listening Lo-Fi recommendation: Lofi Girl — Beats To Relax
Have a “Sound massage” with Flutes and Tibetan Bowls.
If you’re a meditation and yoga preacher, this section is for you.
Tibetan bowl — also known as Himalayan bowls — has its origin in the same region. These bowls are often associated with Buddhism and are used in various spiritual and ceremonial practices, holding multiple virtues:
Increased Mindfulness
Emotional Release
Improved Sleep
Stress and Anxiety Reduction
In recent years, singing bowl sound interventions have been progressively implemented in the fields of well-being, therapy and education.
The Department for Psychosomatic Medicine of the University Hospital Regensburg, share positive conclusions after experimenting with ‘singing bowl sound massage’:
The neurophysiological correlates of a singing bowl sound massage were identified […] The neurophysiological changes may be interpreted as a refrain from specific cognitive processing such as mental conceptualization, which would be commensurate with the essential aspect of mindfulness, namely non-judgmental awareness of the moment-to-moment-experience — Neurophysiological Effects of a Singing Bowl Massage, MDPI.
Indian flute music holds similar virtues and can offer a range of benefits such as creativity, inspiration, concentration, and productivity.
Listening recommendations: Slow Living In The Mountains | Indian Flute Instrumental Music
Blues & Soul: Dance Your Pain Away.
Sometimes, the best way to put dark thoughts to bed is to embrace them. Soul and blues genres can express raw, painful emotions. These genres are a testament to how creativity can thrive in adversity, as exemplified by artists like Tina Turner, who overcame domestic abuse and left an indelible mark on pop history as a symbol of resilience with “What’s Love Got To Do With It?” Numerous artists such as Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, and Marvin Gaye employed their voices as a form of catharsis. Listening Soul recommendation: I Heard It Through The Grapevine — Marvin Gaye.
Classic Music — To Create Brain Pathways.
To enhance your learning and memory abilities, classical music is the genre to go for. Studies have found that classical music enhances memory retrieval, including Alzheimer’s and dementia patients. Classical music would help connect synapses, creating or re-energizing, brain pathways previously left dormant. While we’re familiar with classical music giants like Beethoven, Mozart, and Bach, don’t overlook Pachelbel’s “Canon in D.” Interesting Tidbit: “Canon in D” was originally composed for a wedding and has since become one of the most frequently performed and recognized compositions worldwide. Listening Classic Music recommendation: Canon in D — Pachelbel
The shedding season = Letting go.
As autumn transforms the world, remember that feeling down or low on energy is a natural part of the human experience. The key is to pace ourselves, listen to our bodies, and be kind to ourselves and others. Let the changing season be a lesson in the beauty of letting go, paving the way for renewal and growth. Break on through the autumn blues with the healing power of music.
Comments