Music as a universal art, from It has long been a tool to soothe the mind and body, and today numerous researches have proven its role in reducing stress. As a natural response to environmental challenges and pressures, stress is an integral part of modern life. Although this phenomenon can be stimulating in the short term, chronic stress has serious effects on physical and mental health. One of the non-drug and effective ways to manage stress is to use music.

Effect of music on mind and body

1.Strengthening memory and learning

Studies have shown that music, especially classical music, can strengthen learning and memory processes. For example, the "Mozart Effect" shows that listening to classical music can improve spatial and cognitive abilities.

Relaxing music reduces activity in the sympathetic nervous system, which is associated with stress and anxiety. Music with a slow rhythm and soft voice can calm the mind and reduce the level of cortisol (stress hormone).

3. Influence on mood and emotions

Music directly affects the limbic system of the brain, which is responsible for processing emotions. Listening to happy music can enhance positive emotions, while relaxing music can help reduce depression and anxiety.

4. Increases concentration and productivity

Soundless music, especially classical music or soft jazz, can improve focus and attention. Music with an average tempo helps to maintain the working rhythm and prevents distraction.

The effect of music on the body

1. Reduction of muscle tension and blood pressure

Soft music can reduce muscle tension and blood pressure. These effects are related to reducing the activity of the sympathetic nervous system and stimulating the parasympathetic system.

2. Strengthening immune function

Music can strengthen the body's immune system by reducing stress levels and increasing positive emotions. An increase in the production of antibodies and the activity of natural killer cells (NK cells) is associated with listening to music. width="300" height="200">

3. Pain Relief

Music can help reduce the feeling of pain by stimulating the release of endorphins. This feature is especially effective in patients undergoing painful treatments such as chemotherapy or surgery.

4. Improving sleep quality

Listening to relaxing music before bed can improve sleep quality and reduce insomnia. This effect has been observed especially in people who suffer from chronic stress.

Suitable types of music to reduce stress

1. Classical music

Classical music, such as the works of Mozart, Beethoven and Bach, is one of the best options for reducing stress due to its regular rhythmic structure and soft melodies. "Mozart effect" is a scientific phenomenon that shows that classical music can increase cognitive ability and relaxation.

2. Nature-based music

Sounds such as the sound of rain, sea waves, or birdsong are naturally associated with a sense of relaxation and connection with nature. These musics to reduce Anxiety and help to focus are recommended.

3. Local and cultural music

For many people, traditional and local music related to their culture has a deeply relaxing effect. For example, traditional Iranian music with instruments such as three strings and reeds can strengthen the sense of nostalgia and relaxation.

4. Modern wordless music

Wordless music with instruments such as piano, guitar and digital instruments also helps to reduce stress due to the low tempo and harmony of melodies.

Musical applications in reducing Stress

3.1. Music therapy in psychological treatments

Music therapy as a scientific method in the treatment of anxiety, depression, and disorders Usage in work environments

Soft music in work environments can help reduce stress caused by work pressure and increase employee productivity. Background music increases concentration and reduces distraction. 3.3. Facilitation of meditation and yoga

Relaxing music in meditation and yoga helps regulate breathing, reduce mental activity and achieve deep relaxation.

3.4. Use in medical centers and hospitals

Many hospitals use music to reduce the stress of patients, especially before surgery or difficult treatments. Music is also very useful for chronic pain management.

4. Benefits of music to reduce stress

4.1. Increasing the quality of sleep

Soft music before sleep can help relax the mind and body and reduce sleepiness. These effects are especially evident in people who suffer from chronic stress.

4.2. Enhancement of cognitive skills

Classical and silent music helps to improve concentration, memory and problem solving ability. This feature is especially useful for students.

4.3. Creating a sense of positivity and happiness

Music can reduce negative emotions and strengthen the sense of happiness and motivation. This helps to improve the mood during the day.

4.4. Strengthening social relationships

Listening to music in friendly or family groups can strengthen the sense of solidarity and social support.

Challenges and considerations in using music to reduce stress

• Individual differences: The effect of music on stress may be different in different people. For example, the type of music that is relaxing for one person may be stressful for another.
• Choosing the type of music: To benefit from the positive effects of music, it is very important to choose the right type of music according to individual conditions.
• Overuse: Listening to music too much, especially at high volume, can lead to nervous irritation or mental fatigue.

Conclusion

Music is a powerful and effective tool to reduce stress and improve the quality of life. The conscious choice of music, in harmony with individual needs and environmental conditions, can bring profound positive changes in people's mental and physical health. Especially in today's stressful world, music can be an opportunity to escape from stress and return to relaxation.

Resources

• Thoma, M. V., La Marca, R., Brönnimann, R., Finkel, L., Ehlert, U., & Nater, U. M. (2013). The effect of music on the human stress response. PLoS One, 8(8), e70156.
• Juslin, P. N., & Sloboda, J. A. (2010). Handbook of Music and Emotion: Theory, Research, Applications. Oxford University Press.
• Koelsch, S. (2014). Brain correlates of music-evoked emotions. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 15(3), 170–180
• Levitin, D. J., & Tirovolas, A. K. (2009). Current advances in the cognitive neuroscience of music. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1156(1), 211–231.
• Chanda, M. L., & Levitin, D. J. (2013). The neurochemistry of music. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 17(4), 179–193.
• Rauscher, F. H., Shaw, G. L., & Ky, K. N. (1994). Music and spatial task performance. Nature, 365(6447), 611
• Thoma, M. V., La Marca, R., Brönnimann, R., Finkel, L., & Ehlert, U. (2013). The effect of music on the human stress response. PLoS One, 8(8), e70156.
• Koelsch, S. (2014). Brain correlates of music-evoked emotions. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 15(3), 170-180
• Bernardi, L., Porta, C., & Sleight, P. (2006). Cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and respiratory changes in by different types of music in musicians and non-musicians: The importance of silence. Heart, 92(4), 445-452
• Lee, J. H. (2016). The effects of music on pain: A meta-analysis. Journal of Music Therapy, 53(4), 430-477
• Jespersen, K. V., & Koenig, J. (2015). Music for insomnia in adults. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (8), CD010459
• Chanda, M. L., & Levitin, D. J. (2013). The neurochemistry of music. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 17(4), 179-193