The Healing Power of Music (Guest Column)

In such a stressful world where mental health challenges are on the rise, it’s comforting to know that there’s a timeless, low-to-no-cost medicine that can help soothe the soul, mend a broken heart, and increase both physical and emotional well-being. That medicine is music. As a psychologist, I’ve seen firsthand the life-changing effects music can have on the lives of my patients. In times of deep despair or moments of anxiety or depression, music and its resonance in the body has had the power to heal in ways that words alone cannot.

So what is it about music that makes it such a powerful tool for healing? From a psychological perspective, music has the ability to go beyond the rational mind and access deeper layers of consciousness. According to a study in Finland, when we listen or make music, we’re not just taking in the sound through our ears; our entire brain gets involved. The study showed that music recruits the motor areas of the brain, which gets our toes tapping and our bodies swaying; lights up the emotional center of the brain, which lifts our spirits and reduces our stress levels; and activates the part of the brain which allows the mind to wander, daydream, and be creative.

When we’re depressed, grieving, or traumatized, it can be challenging to get enthusiastic about anything. And yet, when we play some music, the sound lights up our “pleasure center,” that deep part of the brain that secretes dopamine, the “feel-good” hormone. A particularly fascinating study noted that simply anticipating or remembering a certain song can boost dopamine levels. And even after listening to the song, those levels can stay elevated as long as fifteen minutes after the music ends. That means, we get to keep feeling happy longer.

When we suffer from anxiety, fear, or panic attacks, listening to music can help calm our nervous system and decrease levels of stress hormones, like cortisol. It’s also been found to reduce blood pressure, improve sleep, and lessen physical as well as emotional pain by triggering the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals. In addition, research suggests that having music play in the background while we’re doing another activity can improve our ability to focus and problem-solve, especially those with ADHD. Think of music as a tool for ultimate self-care — moments of compassion that allow for self-reflection and reconnection.

Music improves our memory

Music has the unique ability to evoke specific thoughts, emotions and memories, serving as a bridge between past and present. Anyone who has ever suffered from a break-up or lost someone they loved will recognize its power to access these moments long forgotten. Listening to a certain song can transport us back to that time and place and allow us to feel it all over again. For individuals struggling with trauma or PTSD, certain songs can activate powerful thoughts and feelings, which can provide an opportunity for catharsis and healing.

Music connects us

What I love most about music is its profound impact and ability to foster connection and community. Playing music together, dancing, sharing a playlist with friends, or even attending a concert surrounded by complete strangers makes us feel part of something bigger than ourselves. In a world with so much isolation and loneliness, music serves as a unifying force that brings us together across generations, cultures, ideologies, and backgrounds, promoting trust and a sense of belonging.

Curating Your Playlist

Below, you’ll find a 20-track Latin music playlist that I felt called to share. Now it’s your turn — I encourage you to take your own musical journey. Maybe there are songs that speak to something you’re going through or thinking about right now. Or songs that spark a certain memory that makes you smile. Have fun with it and share with your friends if you like.

Edith Shiro, PsyD, is a Venezuelan clinical psychologist in private practice in Miami and the author of The Unexpected Gift of Trauma, available now. She is a board member of the World Happiness Foundation and was awarded the Health Innovation Award 2023 for outstanding service in healthcare and Hispanic Women of Distinction 2018. Also, the Latino Book Award 2022. Learn more at dredithshiro.com