As winter approaches and daylight hours shorten, many Britons struggle with seasonal affective disorder. Google searches for “depression season” have surged by 11,900% year on year, highlighting growing public concern over the mental health effects of reduced sunlight.
In the UK, one in four adults experiences a mental health issue annually. While therapy, mindfulness, and exercise remain key strategies, emerging research points to music as an accessible way to enhance wellbeing and cognitive function.
The science behind music and mental health
Sophie Solomon, Music Expert at ROLI, explains the scientific support for music’s role in mental health: “There has always been a link between music and mental health and this is backed by science. Plenty of studies show that music has a positive effect on our mental well-being.”
Learning an instrument can reduce stress, anxiety, and symptoms of depression, while stirring deep emotions and improving cognition—the mental processes involved in thinking, learning, and memory.
Solomon notes that even simple activities, such as singing in the shower, yield similar benefits: “Whilst we can’t stop the effects of ageing, music can help to slow the rate of cognitive decline. So whether that’s playing an instrument, singing in the shower, or regularly listening to your favourite songs, various regions in the brain will be stimulated, promoting neuroplasticity.”
Neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to adapt, helps maintain cognitive function and memory. Engaging in activities that stimulate the brain promotes mental agility, keeping the brain active and responsive.
Evidence from research
Scientific studies support these claims:
- A 2023 review in Frontiers in Psychology analysed over 20 trials and found that active music participation, including singing, significantly reduces cortisol, the stress hormone.
- A 2024 University of Helsinki study of 1,500 participants showed that regular singing improved episodic memory by up to 15% in older adults, compared to non-musical activities.
- Research from McGill University in 2025 used brain imaging to demonstrate that listening to favourite songs triggers dopamine release, elevating mood similarly to chocolate or exercise.
For seasonal depression, the Royal College of Psychiatrists recommends music as a complementary approach, noting its ability to regulate circadian rhythms disrupted by shorter days.
Getting started with music
Solomon suggests starting with instruments for deeper engagement: “Taking up an instrument can be a rewarding pastime and a great way to exercise the brain. Whichever instrument takes your interest, learning how to play allows you to engage with music on a deeper level, no matter how old you are when you begin. Learning to play the keyboard with ROLI Piano makes it incredibly easy to bring more musicality into your life to help reap all the mental health benefits music can provide.”
Practical ways to incorporate music into daily life include:
- Start your day with music: Create a morning playlist of upbeat songs or replace your alarm with a gentle instrumental.
- Add music to your movement: Listen to music during walks or commutes to energise and lift your mood.
- Use music for focus and breaks: Instrumental or low-lyric genres can improve concentration, while music during short breaks refreshes the mind.
Long-term benefits
Consistency matters. The Alzheimer’s Society reports that musical activities delay dementia onset by stimulating multiple brain areas, including the hippocampus. A 2025 University of Exeter trial with 300 adults over 60 found that those who sang weekly experienced a 20% slower rate of cognitive decline over two years.
With free apps and online tutorials widely available, barriers to entry are low. NHS England encourages such low-cost interventions amid rising mental health demands, as waiting lists for therapy exceed six months in many areas.
As searches for anxiety relief and brain health tips increase, incorporating music offers an evidence-based and enjoyable remedy. Singing in the shower or turning on your favourite tunes could provide the boost needed during darker months.