The Role of Music Boxes in Music Therapy: A Comprehensive Guide

Have you been occupied with everyday activities when suddenly a song comes on that instantly takes you to a pivotal moment in your life? Maybe the music makes you feel more at ease or content. Or, let's face it, just plain depressing. We can all attest to the influence of music, I'm sure. But did you know that music therapy is a proven treatment in and of itself? To find out more about the field of music therapy, keep reading.

What is music therapy?

The use of music to meet a group's or an individual's physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs is known as heart shaped music box therapy. It makes use of a range of activities, including guided imagery, playing an instrument, writing songs, and listening to melodies. People of all ages, whether they are musical experts or tone deaf, dealing with ailments or in perfect health, can benefit from music therapy.

How does it work?

All facets of the mind, body, brain, and behavior are affected by music therapy. The body's rhythms can be slowed down by musical treasure box, and it can also change your mood, which can have an impact on your actions.

Common approaches of music therapy

• Singing of well-known songs accompanied by live or recorded music.

• Listening to live music

• Using different musical instruments, such hand percussion

• Learning to play a musical instrument like the guitar or the piano.

• Learning music-assisted relaxation methods, such as deep breathing methods

• Writing and composing music lyrics to let out your feelings.

How is music box related to music therapy?

Music boxes have different melodies integrated in them which can act as a soothing tool for many people. These melodies vary depending on the type of music box you choose. If your 2-year-old toddler is crying, the ‘merry go round’ melody of your music box can easily distract your kid. If you feel down, the calming music of ‘river flows in you’ from your music box can help you relax. If you feel anxious about giving a presentation in front of your classmates, you can just open your music box to calm yourself. These instances are a good example of how music boxes can be a wonderful source of therapy.

How does music box aid in therapy?

Not every person has access to music therapy or feel comfortable to approach a therapist. In these cases, music boxes come to rescue and serve the purpose of music therapy.

Active hearing

During the music therapy session with an actual therapist, a song or other piece of music is played to you by the therapist, who then discusses their emotions or the song's significance with them. Similarly, if you just get a music box with your desired music inside, you can listen to your song as soon as you feel your mood being low.

Performance

If you sing along or clap your hands in time to the fairy music box, it helps you disperse all the negative emotions in your surroundings. Quite similarly, listening to your small music box whenever you want can not only give you your ‘me’ time, but you can also sing or hum along the song to feel better.

Movement and Dancing

Music therapy sessions require you to move your body along with the music played by the therapist. You can use the music box for the same purpose, as you can easily dance around the room and feel the happy vibe the song reminds you off.

Relaxation

The therapist may use music from a recording or an instrument to help you relax. On the other hand, your music box being a nostalgic reminder of your happy times, plays a similar role and separates you from your anxious thoughts even if the effect is short lived.

How to Keep the Romance Alive in a Relationship

We always choose the act of falling in love over the act of friendship and to keep the romance alive in a commitment requires a lot of effort. While its quite easy to fall in love with someone and get bounded in a commitment, it's very natural to lose romance and the spark in a committed relationship.

The "spark" isn't exactly what it seems to be, though. Someone who calms you down instead of giving you the jitters is inherently soothing, and binge-watching true crime on the couch is much more fun than going out for fancy first dates. However, it's crucial to maintain a small amount of chemistry to prevent a long-term partnership from becoming a friendship.

New Experiences

When habits and routines literally become the norm, relationships tend to become boring. Hence, its always great to try something fresh in order to change your perspective on your partner and your relationship. Anything "new" (big or small) can make you feel the same way you did when you were falling in love with your partner. Trying everything for the first time with each, whether it's planning a trip to a destination neither of you have been to or playing a card game when you're more of a "Scrabble" couple, the experience becomes more memorable and valuable.

Express Emotions Other Than Love

One of the most significant things you'll ever say to each other is "I love you," without a doubt. But chances are, you say it to each other frequently, whether it's just before you hang up the phone or go to sleep. Hence, it’s really important to communicate all kinds of emotions other than love, such as thanks, appreciation, admiration, etc even if you feel expressing those emotions as a bare minimum task to do. You can try some affectionate statements like “You mean so lot to me," "I'm so proud of you," or "I'm so grateful for you" as beginner level sentences.

Deeper Level of Communication

When was the last time you engaged in a meaningful discussion? With all the 24/7 togetherness, you might actually be communicating less because you don't even have the typical go-to conversation openers like "how was your day?" Communication is a critical component in keeping the flame alive. Asking questions like "How are you truly feeling?" or "What can I do tomorrow to make our relationship better?" after dinner can result in a relaxed happy hour on the couch.

Workout together

Perhaps you regularly practice yoga while your partner lifts weights on Saturday mornings, or perhaps you attend an online Pilates session on Sunday afternoons. While ‘me time’ and personal space is equally important in a relationship, working out together with your partners is a terrific chance for each to just do their own thing by each other’s side. Simultaneously, this exercise can occasionally be a great way to maintain the roots of the relationship because it encourages flirtation and friendly competition, making the bond livelier and integrating more romance.

Make Time to Listen to Your Partner

Honesty is the key to every relationship and integrating honesty into your relationship on a permanent basis just lightens up the spark on every moment. Listening to your partner, understanding them and openly communicating your feelings to them is the sign of a healthy relationship. The spark realistically starts to rot when you or your partner take each other’s time for granted, while gatekeeping things from each other. This just loosens the bond, trust and the amazing connection you share in that relationship which automatically diminishes the spark while enhancing the reasons to break off the commitment.

Conclusion

Apart from ones mentioned above, there are many other ways to keep the element of romance alive in your relationship. Effort is the only thing that’s required. If you love your significant other to the extent that you are willing to put effort to keep the romance alive, then this is your chance to try these methods out and make that ‘spark’ permanent in your bond!