Can Music Therapy Bring Stress Relief?
Here in the west there seems to be an outbreak of stress and anxiety. Experts tell us the figures are high and rising. Good news for those in the stress relief industry! No wonder their products are burgeoning Some 'solutions' are better than others, but one that's tried and tested, and is very effective, is music therapy. It's good for kids and parents alike -and it even works on some pets!
The beneficial effects of music therapy go way back in folklore and beyond. It's mentioned in Greek myths, and even in the Bible (when David plays his harp to soothe his troubled king).
Some Facts About Music Therapy
There are basically two types: playing music as therapy, and listening to music. We'll focus on the second one, which enables the listener to not only gain anxiety and stress relief, but to conquer a host of related issues.
This goes hand in hand with meditation, and involves such techniques as deep breathing and mental imagery. It's known that music works on many levels of the brain and significantly changes moods and hormone functions.
What Makes Music Work In This Way?
In the months before birth, a baby is surrounded by warmth and security in the mother's womb. The most reassuring sound is the mother's heart beat. Medical experts now claim that when we're in a relaxed state the regular beat or rhythm of music rekindles feelings first experienced before birth.
Before birth there were no worries about paying the bills, financing the kids' education and so on. Soft, rhythmic music enables us to leave all these concerns behind for a while and the soothing sounds help us regroup and recuperate.
However, selecting music for therapy - for self or others - can be quite tricky. Instead of promoting stress relief, the wrong kind of music can cause stress. And just because you have a favorite style doesn't mean it will work for this! For the profound relaxation and stress relief we're talking about you must select more carefully. (Some people even listen to so-called 'relaxing music' they can't stand - and it does anything but relax them)
Luckily there are music therapists who have covered all the bases. Their research and experience indicate that music with a beat of just under the regular heart beat - that's 72 beats a minute - is the most effective stress reliever. Even more so if it has repeated patterns.
Examples of the best music for stress relief are:
* Classical
* Celtic
* Native American music
* New Age recordings
Bear in mind that different styles of music can affect the mind differently:
If you're sad and lonely, sad country songs will probably make you feel worse.
If you're stressed and your brain is over-active, hard rock could be the last thing you need. On the other hand, if you've had a particularly boring day at the office, heavy metal could be the best music therapy for you - provided you like it, of course!
If you're in a situation where you have to 'go it alone' and that scares you, listening to familiar music from your childhood or youth can be very comforting and supportive.
Natural 'music' - such as the sound of rippling water, birds chirping or children at play - can promote relaxation, as can the sounds of bass drums and flutes.
The Best Way To Enjoy Music Therapy
These tips will help you get the most from your music therapy:
* Aim for sessions of at least 20 minutes and ensure that you will not be disturbed, either by people or by external noises.
* Lie down or sit - but don't be too comfortable!
* Alternatively, go for a walk in a quiet, relaxing spot and listen to your music through you iPod or portable CD player. Here you can practice regular breathing and enjoy some exercise
* Remember to choose music that suits your particular requirements; you may like to consider music with guided meditations on themes such as self-motivation, stress relief, decision making
* The more often you can do this the better; every day is ideal
Once you discover the benefits of music therapy, your health will improve, your emotional life will be more stable and your relationships will improve. You'll wonder how you ever managed without it!
Before buying any stress relief products check Frank McGinty's StressReliefGold, and pick up your FREE report, Beat Stress - And Start Living. Also, get info on your FREE stress-busting 20-minute meditation, The Secret Garden.
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