Does music have a profound impact on your everyday life? 

The power of music over our bodies, minds and souls is almost miraculous. 

Music evokes emotions that lift our moods, energize us and even take us back to memorable moments, both happy and sad, making us feeling sentimental and nostalgic.  

Every Saturday, on our way to our daughter’s soccer game, we play her “pump up” song.  They’ve transitioned over the last few years from Katy Perry to Victoria Justice. These days, we are fiercely devoted Swifties! We blast “New Romantics” in the car and get energized by dancing, singing and getting ready for some kick a$$ goal scoring! 

Taylor Swift may not be everyone’s cup of tea but that’s why music is so beautiful. It’s completely subjective.  A song that evokes emotions for you, may not have any impact on me. 

For example, while working out, I’m more of a Notorious B.I.G, Eminem and Justin Bieber (yes, I know they vary drastically) type of girl. Their songs just get me energized to lift heavier and run faster.  

As I’ve started to think more about the affects of music on myself and my daughter, I started to read about music therapy.  

Through music therapy, therapists use the naturally mood-lifting properties of music to help improve various ailments.  Music therapy uses singing, dancing, listening and discussing music and writing songs to treat challenges. 

The therapy was first used and defined in 1945 by the United States War Department.  It was facilitated to aid with the recovery of military service members in Army hospitals.  

Today, unbeknownst to many, it is used to directly help four of your five spheres.  A short list of benefits positively affects you in the following way: 

• psychologically (mental sphere)
• emotionally (mental sphere)
• spiritually (mental sphere)
• cognitively (mental and educational spheres)
• physically (physical sphere)
• socially (social sphere) 

If music is so cathartic and transformative, then why not use this therapy as preventative care for our children?

We can use it to manage their pain when they are physically hurt or ill. We can use it to increase their motivation, perhaps before exams or sports games.  We can use it prior to them being triggered by stress or anxiety (considering we know what these triggers are).  Recent research also shows that listening to your favorite song while taking medication can make the medication more effective.

When I was pregnant, I played the song “Ships In The Night” by Mat Kearney over and over near my belly. I just loved the song and the music would soothe me.  Soon after our daughter was born, we endured a night where nothing would calm her. We were out of ideas and as you can imagine, extremely worried as first time parents.  I started singing “Ships In The Night” and within seconds the crying stopped and the sweet new born was fast asleep in my arms.  It was the first song that came to mind and I had no idea that it would take away both her angst and mine.   

Every time she is fussy or uncomfortable, even today, the song soothes her both mentally and physically.  

The power of music is a beautiful thing. I am going make an effort to play music more often through our home because the benefits are extensive. 

I encourage you to try it for yourself and for your kids.  Music your whole family will enjoy can bring peace, laughter and create memories for our kids.