Music has the ability to dramatically change how we feel. We can be swept back to distant memories and our moods can shift instantly when a song we remember from long ago comes on the radio. Not many things have the power to change our mental and physical energy so drastically with no force.
Music has defined generations and continues to tell the story of our lives. With as many varieties as there are types of people, it portrays our personal tastes and is a unique expression of who we are. Music is used to soothe, to heal and to calm, and it is also used to rally, excite and motivate. The power of music to make you feel better, or worse, is undeniable.
Action – When you are caught in the middle of a crisis and worry is your constant companion, the last thing you may think of doing is listening to music. But perhaps it should be the first. A cascade of torturous thoughts that are spiralling out of control can be slowed and even halted completely with melodies that are calming.
Disconnecting from stimulating activities like watching tv or reading and instead listening to music in the evening can be an effective remedy if you struggle with insomnia. Allowing the music to wash over you and calm you is the quickest way to unwind after a difficult day. Leave anything with a heavy or very quick rhythm for another day if you need to destress and opt for a slower tempo.
Steps – If you are used to turning on the news first thing in the morning and then find yourself feeling agitated or uncomfortable, try putting music on instead. This can change the tone of your entire day. The news will still be there after 30 minutes of listening to music that you enjoy. Try it and see how it works for you.
After work or before bed is another perfect time to indulge in music that relaxes you. Music has the power to change your physiology and that can assist your body in functioning more efficiently. Listening to melodic tones while you are eating can also sharpen your focus on the moment and slow down the rate at which you eat. This allows the digestion to work properly.
Why It Makes You Feel Better – Music can reduce anxiety and stress by slowing down your mind. You can literally get carried away by music and can go from one state of mind to a completely different one in an instant. We sway or hum along to music and this rhythm is calming. Think of a mother holding her baby, singing softly or humming while gently rocking from side to side. This often pacifies the child and is done instinctively.
Music might carry you back to a different era and the nostalgia can be pleasant. There have been many studies done on the effects of music, but it is such a personal thing that finding out how it makes you feel and which type you respond to is what matters. Some of the benefits studied have shown improved mood, better sleep, less anxiety, improved cognition, and even pain relief.
Example – Intentionally choose what input you allow into your mind. For today, turn away from news and opinions and chatter and replace it with music that you enjoy. Let it fill your morning, and then return to it before bed. See what a difference it makes for you and how you feel.
Friedrich Nietzsche said, “Without music, life would be a mistake.” Fill your day with melodic tones and feel the changes they bring. Anything that slows you down and reduces stress is a welcome addition to life.