This is true – I was dreaming about music and mental health and Moodscope! Specifically, how three elements of music may relate to mental wellbeing: melody, harmony, and rhythm.

Most songs are known from their melody line. But what about great rhythm tracks? Can you think of any songs you’d know from the rhythm section?

Here are four or five nudges:

Queen’s, “We Will Rock You!”

Michael Jackson’s, “Billie Jean.”

Phil Collins’, “In the Air Tonight.”

Led Zeppelin’s, “When the Levee Breaks,” and, “Rock and Roll.”

I’ve got a huge list I’m keeping quiet about – let’s see what leaps to your mind!

‘Rhythm’ for mental health includes literal rhythms because they can change our heartbeat and brainwaves. The right music changes minds, mindsets, and moods. Metaphorically, mental wellbeing can flow from having a reliable and steady rhythm to our lives. Repetition and ritual are rhythmic friends.

Some songs are remembered from their rich harmonies. What leaps to mind before I share in the next line?

Beautiful harmonic songs include:

Just about anything by The Beach Boys, e.g., “Good Vibrations,” and, “God Only Knows.”

Queen return with, “Bohemian Rhapsody.”

Simon and Garfunkel built their reputation on harmony, e.g., “The Sound of Silence.”

And how about, “California Dreamin’,” by the Mamas & the Papas?

Over to you…

‘Harmony’ in mental health represents balance and relationships.  Are you in harmony with yourself, is your body in harmony, how about your mind and body, and how harmonious are your relationships?  If you have established a good rhythm to your week, and you are strengthening your harmonious relationships – these are going to deepen your sense of wellbeing.

For Melody, let’s go wider in the choice of genres. What are your favourite melodies? Furthermore, could there be a link between your favourite tunes and your life theme – after all, we talk about a ‘theme tune’?  Are your choices the soundtrack to your life and mental health?

"Gymnopédie No. 1," by Erik Satie would suggest melancholy mixed with graceful melody.

“Yesterday,” by The Beatles may suggest a preference for the past – hauntingly beautiful, persistent.

“Bridge Over Troubled Water,” Simon & Garfunkel, could be your anthem to resilience and support – gorgeous lyrics.

“The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly Theme,” by Ennio Morricone – unforgettable and haunting once more.  It may even stir up a bit of the rugged anti-hero in you! A taste for adventure with more than a hint of danger!

Let’s pause for thought on the possible themes illuminated by the theme tunes that come to mind. Not only food for thought but also for therapy! If you were to have some music therapy today, what would you listen to.

May you have an excellent rhythm to your week, deepen the harmonies in your relationships with yourself and others, and find a theme that resonates with your lifestyle and choices. And, if you fancy a change, change your rhythm, harmony, and melody!

Lex

A Moodscope member