Have You Had Your Dose of Music Today?
By Sandy Schroeder
Music is a magic pill for me when things just refuse to come together. If you are having a hard time pulling things together, calming down, or motivating yourself, music may be a naturally healthy way to get back on track.
Music triggers a release of endorphins that most of us can use. Here are a few examples from my experience, and some from Easy Health Options:
Spark new concepts – If your creative stash is running low, turn up your favorite jazz, rock, or classics to refuel your brain.
Backup your immune system – Researchers say music is as effective as prescription medications to reduce anxiety before surgery. On a daily basis, music can roll back stress to keep the day together.
Soothe your way to sleep – Soft music, low lights, and a good book can go a long way to mellow out the day. Researchers studied a group of students having sleep problems who listened to mellow music every night for three weeks. They reported less depression and better sleep.
Complete a summer evening – Make a supper with friends memorable. Light up the grill, break out the candles, and find someone who plays guitar.
Need to refocus? – Just close the door or step outside. Find a comfortable spot to sit and let your tunes play to clear your mind.
Outrun treadmill boredom – It's easy to go longer and faster if you have your favorite tunes on board.
Heal the spirit and the heart – Recovery from a heart attack can be helped by music, according to researchers. Blood pressure, heart rate and anxiety levels all subside as music triggers endorphins.
Help children who hurt – Resident physicians at a local cancer center told me they discovered bringing musical instruments into the children’s cancer ward made an amazing difference in the atmosphere. Music proved to be a wonderful distraction from their pain.
Music becomes memory therapy – Want to remember good times from the past? Just break out the music from those years and watch everyone react. I have watched seniors break out in smiles and start humming when someone played their favorite songs from the past. One senior, who seemed to be losing her memory, beamed as she sang every stanza of a favorite song.
However you like your music, a dose a day may be a healthy way to reboot.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic