March 1 is World Music Therapy Day, which is a day that celebrates the use and creation of sound to help others. Music therapy can address a variety of healthcare and educational needs. As someone who loves music, I believe that music truly speaks to the soul. Whether you need a pick me up or you just need to wallow, listening to the right song can help.

With music therapy there can be an increased motivation to engage in treatment, and not to mention, offer emotional support for an individual. I use music therapy as an outlet to express emotions. There is also a multitude of evidence-based treatments that help with a variety of disorders that range from depression to autism. It can also help with memory, lower blood pressure, reduce stress, improve self-esteem and even improve coping.

Growing up in a large household with six children, music was my escape. Whether it be to hide from my problems or to keep myself occupied, I’d sing Disney songs or listen to worship music to keep my feet planted on the ground. Music has healing properties that can not only reflect mentally and emotionally, but also physically.

Music acts as that medium to process things such as trauma or grief as well. There is one song that my grandpa always danced to so whenever my aunt hears it she begins to dance too. Another thing that I’ve noticed is if I hear the song “Here comes to the Sun” by the Beatles my brain automatically goes to the Bee Movie. It’s crazy how such simple things can have much larger connections. When I think of the Bee Movie I think of my uncle who unfortunately passed away. It was his favorite movie and I didn’t even find out until recently. Small things like that make me feel connected to him.

I feel that music has way more power than we give it credit for. If it can heal an inner child and motivate an adult, who are we to question it? Especially in times like this where midterms are arising, putting on a classical orchestra or something that makes us want to get up and dance like “Girls just wanna have fun,” can give us the freedom to just be who we are.

No two people have the same taste in music and no two people have the same connection to a song. Using the individuality and uniqueness of music can provide a gateway to see that individuality and uniqueness in ourselves. Play a song you enjoy and dance around a room, listen to something sad and have a good cry, share a song with a friend and go on a car ride; Do whatever you have to do to connect with yourself today.