There are a lot of thoughts and feelings that we experience on a daily basis, yet our society doesn’t always place much emphasis on talking about them. From a young age, we’re told to “suck it up” to “keep our chin up” and to otherwise not talk about the things that are bothering us, because they’d rather like us to seem like nothing is wrong. This is rarely the case, however, because we’re all going through different things at different times. Studies have even shown that not talking about the problems we’re going through, or holding them in, can be damaging for our health. When we block our emotions, we’re opening ourselves up to mental illness but also to other health conditions like heart disease, headaches, insomnia issues, intestinal problems, and even autoimmune disorders. In other words, there’s much more to holding in emotions than simply not “seeing” them. In order to avoid some of the harsh consequences that this avoidance can have on the mind, body, and spirit, consider using music to open up those emotional pathways. Previous studies have shown that not only does music have the capabilities to evoke intense emotions such as sadness, nostalgia, tension, relaxation, and pure joy, it also influences the production of dopamine, the “feel-good” chemical, in a healthy way. Of course, if you decide to listen to music, it’s important to think about what and how you’re using it, rather than listening to songs that could send you into a spiral of depression or anxiety. Researchers say that even being musically inclined can improve a person’s emotional ability – for example, a person who plays a musical instrument or enjoys singing can greater tell the emotions of others through music. In turn, a greater connection can be built – but even those who aren’t musically inclined will find that they’re able to relate to a beat, a musical composition or a message that’s being conveyed through the songs they’re listening to, which is always a nice feeling. The next time you’re feeling down, either play a soothing or playful song to ground you or keep you upbeat or play a sad song to help you feel the emotions. Just be sure to manage your emotions in a healthy way – and if you find yourself turning destructive, speak with your therapist right away. If you’re ready to work on your health, speak with a professional from Arbor Behavioral Healthcare today.
At Arbor Behavioral Healthcare, you will meet knowledgeable, compassionate professionals that understand addiction in all its forms. The Arbor uses an integrative and holistic approach to treat addiction and mental health issues. No treatment is one-size-fits-all, and at The Arbor, you will have a team of experts prepared to create your customized treatment plan. We offer care for your mind, body, and spirit so that you can heal from the inside out and look forward to a lifetime of sobriety and wellness. If you are ready to take the first step in your recovery, please call us at 844-413-2690.