Fact: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 2017 , globally, more than 264 million

people of all ages suffer from anxiety disorders. This accounts for around 3.6% of the global
population. It's important to note that these figures represent diagnosed cases, and the actual number
of individuals experiencing stress and anxiety may be higher
Connection: In today's fast-paced and stressful world, mental health has become a significant
concern affecting individuals of all ages and backgrounds. Fortunately, there are various approaches
to promote and improve mental well-being, and one powerful tool that has gained recognition is
music.
1. Role
- According to the Ipsos TV Dallies survey, close to 6 in 10 people, or 57%, have recently
listened to music to reduce stress. This indicates that a significant portion of the population
recognizes the potential of music as a tool for stress reduction. Listening to music is a
common and accessible strategy that many individuals employ to relax, unwind, and alleviate
the pressures and anxieties of daily life.
- Dr. Don Campbell, a renowned authority in the field of music therapy and sound healing,
emphasizes that music therapy has the capability to reduce stress and promote relaxation.
This statement highlights the significant role that music can play in supporting individuals'
mental and emotional well-being. Music has a profound impact on our emotions and
physiological responses. It can evoke feelings of calmness, joy, and peacefulness, and has the
potential to distract us from stressors and negative thoughts.
- The study published in the Journal of Behavioral Medicine highlights the potential of music
therapy as a valuable approach in this regard.The research likely involved a group of
participants who engaged in music therapy sessions under the guidance of trained
professionals. These sessions may have included various music-based activities such as
listening to carefully selected music, playing musical instruments, singing, or engaging in
improvisation. The specific interventions used would have been tailored to address anxiety
symptoms and promote relaxation.
- Example: A story that demonstrates the effects of music: Casey Clark, who has been suffering
from grief, depression, and PTSD since her grandfather's death, listens to music daily to cope
with her symptoms, particularly a Michael Bublé album she gifted her grandfather.

2. How doese music work?

- Professor Victoria Tischler of Exeter University indicates that: Music's emotional connection is
crucial for reducing stress and fostering emotional interaction among people.
+ Emotional regulation: Music has the power to evoke and influence emotions. Listening to
calming and soothing music can help regulate emotions by reducing feelings of stress, anxiety,
and tension. It can promote a sense of tranquility, comfort, and relaxation, providing an
emotional escape from daily pressures.
+ Distraction and focus: Engaging with music can divert attention from stressors and intrusive
thoughts. By focusing on the rhythm, melody, and lyrics of a song, individuals can shift their
attention away from anxious thoughts and immerse themselves in the present moment. This
redirection of focus can provide temporary relief from stress and anxiety.
- Listening to music together at concerts or festivals can indeed help build connections and foster
protective relationships among individuals. Shared musical experiences have the power to bring
people together, creating a sense of unity, shared enjoyment, and emotional connection.

+Music has the ability to evoke strong emotions and create a collective experience. When people
attend concerts or festivals, they often share a common interest in the music being performed.
This shared interest can serve as a foundation for building relationships and connecting with
others who have similar tastes and preferences.
+ In addition, attending music events allows individuals to engage in social interactions, such as
dancing, singing along, or simply enjoying the music together. These shared experiences can
create a sense of belonging and community, fostering positive relationships among attendees.

3. Preference of Music Genre for Stress Reduction

- According to Psychophysiology and Biofeedback, 2008: Stress exposure can be significantly
reduced by listening to self-select or classical music, as opposed to heavy metal music or silence.

+ The study likely involved participants who were exposed to various music conditions while their
stress levels were measured. The participants have been asked to self-select music that they found
enjoyable or relaxing, or they may have been exposed to classical music specifically chosen by the
researchers. Additionally, the study may have included a condition with heavy metal music as well
as a control condition of silence.

+ The results revealed a significant reduction in stress exposure when participants listened to self-
selected or classical music compared to heavy metal music or silence. This suggests that the choice
of music genre can have a notable impact on stress levels. Different genres and personal preferences
may have varying effects on stress reduction. While self-selected and classical music were found to
be effective in this particular study, it's important for individuals to explore and identify the music
that resonates best with their personal preferences and relaxation needs.
- According to Brannon and Feist (2007): Self-selected music can effectively reduce stress by
allowing individuals to control their environment by choosing music they find relaxing.

+ In the current study we evaluated music the person believes is relaxing to determine whether
listening to music that one is attracted to can be an effective coping response to negative emotion.
Allowing the person to select music gives them control over some aspect of the experimental
situation. Health psychology research indicates perceived control is an important factor in
reducing the stress response (Brannon and Fiest 2007). Self-selected rather than prescribed music
may be more effective in reducing stress as it allows the person to control some aspect of their
environment by allowing them to choose music that they believe is relaxing.

4. Tips

a. Creating personalized playlists:

 Select music that resonates with your personal preferences and brings you a sense of calm and
relaxation.
b. Experimenting with different genres and styles:
 Explore a wide range of music genres and pay attention to how different genres make you feel
and choose the ones that help reduce stress:
c. Seeking professional guidance, such as music therapy: