Guest Post by Emily Alvarez
I am someone who appreciates and loves a capella music on a higher level than a normal person. With the new “Pitch Perfect 2” just out and popularity of a capella music, I thought I’d write about how a capella is good for mental health.
For those that don’t know what a capella is, a capella means without instrumental accompaniment. While it means to not have instrumental accompaniment, many a capella groups use their voices to create the sound of instruments. A capella has gained traction in the last couple of years with the TV show “The Sing Off”, where popular group Pentatonix started, and “Pitch Perfect” doing so well in theaters. A capella isn’t just enjoyed by music people anymore.
Music has been proven to have a positive effect on bodies—both mental and physical. So why can’t a capella music? Here are 10 reasons why a capella music is good for the body.
1. Reduce Stress
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| Photo from Google Images |
That big “ahhhh” you feel while listening to music? That’s your body releasing biochemical stress reducers. Music triggers the release of these stress reducers. So put some tunes on and de-stress.
My suggestion: “Destiny’s Child Medley” by The Harvard Opportunes
2. Relieve Symptoms of Depression
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| Photo from Google Images |
When you’re feeling really down, music can actually pick you up. And music choice matters. Soothing sounds are uplifting and heavy metal or techno can actually make symptoms worse. A capella too, can be soothing, you just have to find the right song. Focus on one that doesn’t have a beat that really hits.
My suggestion: “Say Something” by Pentatonix.
3. Elevate Mood
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| Photo from Google Images |
Ever notice how you can feel happy with upbeat music and sad with a slow sad song? That’s because music helps people get in touch with their emotions as well as put them in a better mood.
My suggestion: “Riff Off” from Pitch Perfect 2
4. Reduce Anxiety as Much as a Massage
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| Photo from Flickr user Naomi Shireen |
Aren’t massages awesome? Especially with anxiety. Well I have even better news! Music’s effect on anxiety levels is similar to the effect of getting a massage. Which means you just found a cheaper way to lessen your anxiety!
My suggestion: “Fix You” by Straight No Chaser
5. Ease Pain
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| Photo from Google Images |
Hate going to the dentist because you’re afraid of the pain you’re going to feel? Well, you’re not alone. Studies have shown that listening to soothing music can actually ease the perceived intensity of pain. So rock out and feel your pain lessen.
My suggestion: “Never Gonna Give You Up” by On The Rocks
6. Improve Sleep Quality
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| Photo by Flickr user Rogmarole |
Whenever I have a hard time falling asleep, the first thing I do is turn on music. It’s always something with a soothing beat so I don’t have to pay too close attention to it. A capella is perfect for this. The musical blend is beautiful to listen to and gets me relaxed enough to fall asleep. Studies have actually shown that music can be used effectively to treat insomnia in college students.
My suggestion: “Apologize” by the University of North Carolina Loreleis
7. Help Perform Better in High-Stress Situations
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| Photo from Flickr user Tommy Hotvedt |
Need to make the game winning shot? Need to ace that really really important test? Listening to upbeat tunes beforehand can actually help you perform well in high-stress situations. So pump the bass and make the shot.
My suggestion: “Word Championship Finale 1” by Das Sound Machine from Pitch Perfect 2
8. Improve Cognitive Performance
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| Photo from Flickr user Birth Into Being |
I always find it easier to focus on something if I have music playing in the background. A capella is perfect for this because there aren’t any hard-hitting instruments, it’s all voices. If you like to listen to music while working too, then you’re in luck! Background music has been proven to enhance performance on cognitive tasks.
My suggestion: “Dirty Diana (ft. Femininity)” by AcaBelles
9. Elevate Mood While Driving
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| Photo from Flickr user Derrick Harvin |
Do you have road rage? Do you hate driving because it puts you in a bad mood? Well, music might be able with that. Listening to music while driving can positively impact mood. So turn up your tunes and feel better.
My suggestion: “Brave” by BYU Vocal Point
10. Just Plain Makes You Happy!
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| Photo from Google Images |
You know that one song that you absolutely love and can always put a smile on your face? That’s the effect music can have. Listening to the harmonies and vocal tricks always puts a smile on my face. Music just makes you happy!
My suggestion: “Natural Disaster” by Pentatonix
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Ms. Alvarez graduated from San Jose State University with a degree in Public Relations and is now leading communication efforts at the Carson J Spencer Foundation. She coordinates all social media initiatives for this Denver-based nonprofit known for innovation in suicide prevention. In addition, she facilitates the outreach efforts to local and national media by creating and distributing press releases, blogs, and youtube videos. She has a passion for the mental health movement because her family has a history of mental health issues, and she had a close friend die by suicide when in high school. In 2009, she earned the highest award -- The Gold Award -- from the Girl Scouts and was in an honors fraternity in college.
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