Zeljko Glamocanin is the Director of ABC of Music located in Sydney’s eastern suburbs. He created a resilience-focused music program for youngsters called the Alphabet Factory that has been used in over 340 child care centres across New South Wales. With more than 20 years of experience in teaching music, performing, and developing young talent on Australia’s music scene, he founded a not-for-profit organisation – the Legacy Double Bay Inc – that uses music to raise funds for the Sydney Children’s Hospital Foundation.
The Legacy Double Bay Inc. and Immunity Group Australia team up to empower youth through music, education, and food allergy awareness – combating bullying and stigma.
How does music influence immune system?
“Music is a powerful medicine. It’s inexpensive, accessible, and offers a multitude of physical and mental health benefits. I would like to offer some practical tips to help people integrate music into their daily routine to enhance immunity and wellbeing”, Zeljko said.
While it might sound surprising, a growing body of research suggests that music can positively impact our immunity. Here’s how it works:
- Stress Reduction: Chronic stress is a major suppressor of immune function. Music, especially calming and relaxing melodies, can help lower the levels of the stress hormone cortisol. This gives your immune system a welcome break, allowing it to work more efficiently.
- Boosting Positive Emotions: Engaging with music you love triggers the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with reward and pleasure. This positive emotional state promotes the production of certain antibodies and immune cells, strengthening your body’s defenses against illness.
- Enhancing Sleep: Difficulty sleeping weakens your immune system. Soothing sounds and music can lull you into a deep, restful sleep, which is crucial for immune restoration. Practicing your music score before bed offers many benefits, including improved sleep quality.
What about mental health? Is there a connection between music and mental health?
“Absolutely. The way music influences our mental health is undeniable. From my vast experience with teaching and educating children and adults, music can help alleviate stress and bring calmness to the body and mind”, Zeljko observed. This is how music can contribute to mental health resilience:
- Managing Anxiety: Music has a remarkable ability to calm the nervous system. Studies have shown that listening to relaxing music can decrease heart rate, lower blood pressure, and ease muscle tension – all signs of reduced anxiety.
- Battling Depression: Uplifting music can stimulate the release of feel-good chemicals like dopamine and serotonin, offering a natural mood boost and aiding in the fight against depression.
- Memory and Cognition: For people with dementia or Alzheimer’s, music can unlock memories, improve communication, and reduce agitation. Music stimulates multiple areas of the brain, helping to preserve cognitive function.
- Pain Management: Music therapy has been found to be helpful in reducing both the intensity and the emotional distress related to chronic pain. I have seen this happen to several of my students over the years.”
How to Harness the Power of Music
Zeljko offers some practical tips to integrate music into your life for maximum benefit:
- Create playlists: Put together mood-specific playlists: calming music for stress relief, upbeat tunes for when you need a boost, or nostalgic songs to evoke memories.
- Mindful listening: Pay focused attention to the music. Notice the sounds, melodies, and the emotions it brings up. Let the music wash over you.
- Move with the music: Sing along, get up and dance, or simply tap your feet! This amplifies the feel-good effects of music.
- Choose wisely: The type of music matters. “If you’re aiming to relax, opt for slower tempos and gentle instrumentals. For an energy boost, try up-tempo music with a driving beat.”
So next time you need an immune boost, a mood lift, or a moment of stress reduction, don’t underestimate the transformative power of your favourite tunes. But most importantly, book your first music lesson if you haven’t tried an instrument before: it will change your perspective on life forever.
Further reading on this topic: https://mustangnews.net/how-playing-music-helps-students-mental-health/
