Did you know music releases dopamine, the feel-good chemical in your brain?

Listening to music can provide psychological and physiological support that improves our overall wellbeing.

Here are a few ways music can improve your well-being:

• Listen to music

Create a playlist with your favourite music to use as part of a relaxation or meditation routine.  Slower tempos can help you wind down and relax whereas faster tempos can make you want to dance or feel more motivated.

• Play an instrument

Take up an instrument you’ve always been meaning to learn, or discover an instrument you used to play.

Developing a new skill can provide a space for mental for mental freedom where worries and concerns are temporarily set aside.

• Virtual journeying

Music provides a powerful anchor to associations and memories, including vivid recollection of specific places and positive events.

• Move to the music

Exercise releases endorphins that are known as ‘happy’ hormones which can contribute to lifting your mood.  Upbeat tempos can also help to you to feel energised, so plug in and dance around your room, go for a run or take a Zumba class.

• Music making with others

Throughout history, music has been used to bring people together.  Join a fan base and bond over the same taste of artists, sing in a choir or join a music club or society.

Find out about music activities you can get involved with at Kent.

Kent Summer Music Week at Kent

Kent Summer Music Week runs from Sunday 6 June.  Catch up with the Sunday Swing livestream concert on YouTube that happened on Sunday 6 June.

Find out more about Kent Summer Music Week events.

Watch the Scholar’s Spotlights – a series of short filmed recitals showcasing Kent Music Performance Scholars & Music Award Holders on YouTube.

More information about Making Music at Kent.