Make More Music
Music therapy is a researched, evidence-based clinical profession provided by clinicians who have completed a four year music therapy specific degree, clinical practica, a clinical internship under direct supervision, and have passed a national board certification examination.
But music therapists don’t own music.
Here’s a list of ways YOU can use music at home to benefit yourself and your family:
- Make music a priority – how often do you actually experience music in your life? In church? On the radio? In movies? Commit to incorporating time for active musicing in your life. Spend 15 minutes jamming along to your favorite songs. Learn a new instrument — or break that dusty one out of your garage or basement! There are plenty of free resources on the internet to learn. Share a song with a friend or family member and discuss its meaning to you.
- Establish musical routines – have a hard time waking up in the morning? Pre-set a list of songs to pump you up in the morning, or provide a relaxing environment for you to enjoy as you sip a cup of coffee or read a book. Play music during your lunch break at work to help you re-set for your next appointments. Create a pre-bed winding down routine.
- Learn songs to manage your emotions – no, this is not just for children! I am a grown woman, and I still sometimes find myself singing songs about being patient when I’m stuck in obnoxiously slow traffic!
Pro tip: you don’t have to sing made up songs to the tune of Twinkle Little Star like you might for your kids. You can use adult songs by tweaking the lyrics if you need to! Don’t Worry, Be Happy becomes Don’t get mad, take a walk! Or sing these familiar words: “Here Comes the sun, and I say, It’s alright”
- Feed your creative self – I feed my creative self by improvising on the piano and singing in a choir, but if that’s not your style, find what is! Do you draw? Paint? Garden? Build? Craft? Write? Do that! And do it with some music in the background. Music can be wonderful for providing a structured context for other creative arts. If you’re worried you’ll get lost in your art or worried that you don’t have any time at all to give, create a playlist for a specified amount of time. Allow yourself that amount of time in peace.
- Give yourself some me-time – Kids driving you nuts? Sign them up for our music therapy summer camps! Need a second to breathe? iPads are not the enemy all the time. Check out our resources that promote developmental milestones and learning here and here (apps blog and YouTube channel)
- Don’t knock it til you’ve tried it – You don’t have to have a diagnosis, disability, or traumatic event in your life to qualify for music therapy services. If you need some help or support expressing yourself or desire to tap into your musical self more deeply, reach out to a music therapist in your area! After a few sessions, you may have a better idea of what to do on your own, too!
- Make More Music – Honestly, there is no wrong way to music. The bottom line is, the more music, the better. Saturate your life in it, and invite those around you to join you in the experience!
Remember, music releases dopamine into your brain and endorphins into your bloodstream. It decreases stress, elevates mood, promotes relaxation, and builds social bonds. It’s up to you to make it a priority!
Contact us to see how we can help you incorporate more music into your life.
