The perfect songs to ease your blues include Chasing Pavements by Adele, All My Loving by The Beatles and Eternal Flame by The Bangles, according to research.
And it’s the tempo that cheers us up rather than the words alone.
We become contented when music is played at a speed of 80 beats a minute, as it mimics the rate at which the baby feels the mother’s heart beat in the womb.
This feeling recalls sensations of warmth, satiation, safety and soothing.
US research showed that music played a big part in therapy to deal with physical, emotional, cognitive and social issues.
British therapist Wendy Thompson claims music can be key in dealing with mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.
Singing, drumming or dancing can help regulate stress levels and calm the mind.
She said: “In times of stress the brain reacts primitively, the heart rate will increase, you will feel overwhelmed and unable to concentrate.
“This can be helped by playing music, singing or dancing at 80 beats per minute. It predates physical development so it reminds you of being in a womb and it calms you down.”
She added: “Depression is often activated through the environment and the environment reinforces depression.
“When the environment is shifted in some way by playing music it helps to shift the patterns in the brain.”
Ms Thompson, of psychological arts therapy service Chroma, added: “We are trying to reprogramme the brain to receive a different message to the one it is already receiving.
The more it’s played the more it becomes embedded.”
Demand for music therapy has increased by 70 per cent over the past 10 years with 800 registered therapists in the UK.
Supporters include East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices, where the Duchess of Cambridge is patron.
Daily Express :: Entertainment Feed
