From Setback to Comeback: How Health Challenges Can Spark a More Fulfilling Life

When your health is suffering…

Life can feel pretty sideways.

You might be facing a chronic illness, sudden diagnosis or long-term recovery process… but either way, a health setback can truly feel like your world is coming to an end.

But here’s the thing…

Many people experience the complete opposite. Research on post-traumatic growth has shown that people who go through significant health challenges often find a renewed sense of purpose, deeper relationships and an entirely new perspective on life.

What’s more…

Music is one of the key catalysts driving that growth. The healing power of music has been shown to vastly improve recovery outcomes; whether by decreasing pain & anxiety or increasing feelings of joy and emotional wellbeing…

Music is quickly becoming one of the most powerful healing tools available.

This article covers:

• Why Health Challenges Can Lead To Personal Growth
• The Healing Power of Music Backed By Science
• Bringing Music To Patients Through Charity
• How To Put Music Into Action For Recovery

How Health Setbacks Can Fuel Personal Growth

It kind of sounds backwards…

But going through a health crisis or challenge can be the starting line for a more fulfilling life. Researchers refer to this as “post-traumatic growth,” which is a process that occurs when a person experiences positive psychological changes after trauma.

Music plays a huge role in facilitating this kind of growth. Thanks to healthcare nonprofits, music is being brought directly to hospitals and recovery facilities to help patients heal faster and discover new purpose through the healing power of music.

Here are some ways that growth can manifest:

• Joy in simply being alive
• Deeper connections with others
• Discovering what really matters to you
• Feeling strong and capable

Six in ten Americans are currently living with at least one chronic disease. That means millions of people are facing serious health challenges every day.

But what many people don’t know is…

A lot of these individuals report that their health struggles forced them to slow down, re-focus on what’s important and discover a more meaningful path in life. The health setback was just a setup for a comeback.

Post-traumatic growth doesn’t happen overnight. But with perseverance, the right support and healthy resources, it’s possible to emerge from health challenges with a greater sense of purpose.

The Healing Power of Music: Backed By Science

But why does music have this kind of impact?

Truth is, it’s all in how your brain processes music. Your brain literally lights up in every area when you listen to or play music. It changes your perception of pain and isolation, while also lowering anxiety.

Some studies have shown that:

76% of patients in one hospital study reported less pain after only one music therapy session. The patients also noted significant reductions in anxiety and stress.

In fact, listening to music can:

• Trigger a release of endorphins
• Lower cortisol levels
• Promote neuroplasticity (allowing your brain to literally heal itself)

When you’re stuck in a hospital bed feeling afraid and alone… music has the power to transport you to a better place emotionally. It helps you heal faster while decreasing the need for painkillers.

And that’s just scratching the surface.

Music heals because it works on a total body level. Plus, it’s non-invasive with zero side effects.

Bringing Music To Patients With Health Challenges Through Charity

There’s one more piece of the puzzle worth talking about…

A lot of musical healing is being delivered to patients through charitable organizations. Groups like these pair professional musicians with hospitals, hospice care facilities and patients everywhere.

Why is this important?

Music therapy isn’t always available through your standard healthcare or doctor. Many patients aren’t aware it exists at all. Music charities help bridge that gap by:

• Bringing live music performances to hospitals at no cost
• Funding research and education on music healing
• Partnering musicians with patients during recovery
• Spreading awareness of music’s healing benefits

These organizations are 100% powered by donations and volunteers. There are a couple of the best ways you can give back to patients who are dealing with serious health challenges.

When it comes to recovering from a health setback… any amount of support helps. A simple song at a patient’s bedside can change their entire recovery experience and give them the strength to keep fighting.

Ways You Can Use Music For Healing

Ready to put the healing power of music to work?

Here are a few simple ways you can start:

• Create your own playlist. Compile songs that make you feel good or happy and listen to them anytime. If you’re undergoing treatment, bring your playlist with you and listen during your sessions.
• Make music. Don’t know how to play an instrument? Doesn’t matter. Playing music or singing forces your brain to engage more than just passive listening.
• Look into music therapy. Reach out to your local hospital or community center and find out what music therapy options are available. Many places will offer these services for free or at a low cost.
• Donate to a music charity. Whether you’re donating money or your time by volunteering, music charities could really use your help.
• Combine music with mindfulness. Put on some relaxing tunes while practicing breathing exercises or meditation. This is a great way to pass the time during stressful situations.

Remember…

When incorporating music into your recovery process, consistency is key. Use music as a daily tool, instead of just a one-time thing and you’ll start to see the results.

Wrap Up: The Healing Power Of Music

Let’s face it. Rough patches are never fun.

They challenge you, make you question your strength and force you to deal with things you aren’t prepared to handle.

But what happens after a rough patch can be life changing.

Music has the power to heal trauma, reduce pain and help people find purpose during the darkest seasons of life. The healing power of music gives people a reason to fight harder than ever before.

Let’s review:

• Health challenges can cause incredible personal growth and allow you to discover new meaning in life.
• Music impacts every area of your brain and can dramatically improve both your physical and emotional recovery.
• There are tons of charitable organizations that are delivering music directly to patients.
• Create a personal playlist and/or look into music therapy to improve your recovery experience.

If you had to take away just one thing from this article…it’s that health setbacks don’t define your future. With healing resources like music and a positive support system, you can turn a health setback into your come back.