What is «Vær god mot deg selv»?
It’s a website with lots of research based tips and advice intended to give you a slightly better every day life during the pandemic.
In Autumn 2020, the University of Bergen initiated the project to help students and young people get through a challenging period. Covid-19 has affected our everyday life. We socialize less. We are not getting to know new people, we are homesick or bothered with «corona shame,» and struggle with feelings of missing out on the best of student life. This may have both physical and psychological consequences, and some even give up on their studies. The benefit of being a big university is that it encompasses enormous amounts of knowledge on how to master everyday life in all its facets. That’s why all the tips and advice are rooted in research and science originating from UiB itself.
Music therapy
Music makes studying better
Tips #1
Favourite music
Listen to music that you connect with and makes you happy. Explore the “Made for you” section in Spotify, for example.
Tips #2
Create music
Research distinguishes between active and passive music therapy. Playing and making music can have the same therapeutic effect as listening to music. Play an instrument or sing to yourself for a while.
Tips #3
Play music together
Play music with other people if you can, either via Zoom or by creating music online on sites like Soundtrap.com.
Tips #4
Active listening
Listening actively to music will increase the health benefits. Turn off your phone and any other distractions and just listen to the music.
When we listen to music that makes us happy, our bodies release chemicals such as endorphins, dopamine and pleasure hormones.
How does music therapy work?
The positive effects of music therapy on mental health are based on a large body
of evidence-based research. When we listen to music that makes us happy, our bodies release chemicals such as endorphins, dopamine, and pleasure hormones. These chemicals reduce anxiety and stress, as well as relieve physical pain.
From a neurological perspective, this effect is explained by the fact that we process music in several parts of the brain simultaneously, including in the centres for spatial awareness and language. This activation of various parts of the brain has made music therapy a recommended health-promoting measure in both elderly care and in the treatment of dementia.
What should you listen to?
You will not gain the health benefits from listening to just any music. According to researchers, the music needs to be something you connect with – meaning that individual taste in music plays a crucial role in the effect you get from listening to music.
For students living under coronavirus restrictions, listening to music can improve learning and performance by making you calm and relaxed.
Source:
Viggo Krüger
Associate Professor, Head of GAMUT – The Grieg Academy Music Therapy Research Centre at UiB
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