Music for your mind

Science shows it can ease stress, anxiety and depression

The Eras tour: bringing joy to the world

I went to a wedding at the weekend and, while throwing myself around on the dance floor, was reminded of a recent article in the New York Times about music and mental health. ‘Music therapy,’ writes Christina Caron, ‘helps people cope with ailments as wide-ranging as stress, chronic pain, limited mobility and hypertension.’

More research is needed to understand why it works but, the article continues, ‘scientists do know that music engages multiple regions of the brain, like the limbic system, which helps process emotions and recollections.’ This may be why it has been shown to improve cognition and quality of life in people with dementia.

Music has a powerful ability to transport us back time, and the warm glow of nostalgia is always more enticing than our current reality. It’s why Christmas songs are so special, why there was so much emotion around Blur …