Auld Lang Syne

Photo from Pexels by Elviss Railijs Bitāns

Evan Rosenau

It’s the new year, and with it, the fall of holiday songs, a source of joy for so many. This emotional reaction is actually backed up by science and is why this week, we are focusing on the importance of music in mental health.

Because music activates the part of our brain associated with thought and perception, we become calmer when listening to music. 

Music can serve as a distraction, and as a way to lower anxiety, heart rate, blood pressure, and stress hormones. 

It can even alter our mood. When listening to a song with different emotions than the one you are feeling, you can temporarily be transported, away from the stress of whatever battle you’re fighting. 

However, beyond the challenges of the moment, music can make it easier to accept difficulties. By finding music with lyrics related to the problem at hand, it can be easier to communicate and understand your situation from a different viewpoint. Or simply listening to a song with similar emotions can lessen some of the pain you might be feeling. 

Music is a powerful tool, and we hope you can use it to help yourself out a bit, whether it be by finding music that suits your mood or distracts you from it.

From all of us at Charger Press, have a wonderful 2023!

Remember, you’re not alone, if you or anyone you know is experiencing a mental health emergency, contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 9-8-8. Or, if you or anyone you know is struggling with mental health issues, you can visit 988lifeline.org, Stress and Coping Resources, and reach out to a trusted adult at home or at school.