Listening to good music does wonders to make you feel good about yourself. But did you also know that it’s a great way to help you relief stress? For as long as history stretches back, music has been a big part of helping in stress management.
And the great part is that you can listen to music at home, without having to worry about the stress of traffic or other people.
Everyone has a favorite type of music, whether it’s classical, adult contemporary or rock.
Even during biblical times, according to holistic healers, music was used as a way to help people relax. It helped boost people’s moods, and even today it has the same effect.
When you are stressed out, adrenalin, the brain’s stress hormone, is released to help you function under pressure. One benefit of adrenalin is that it gives you the extra push you need to launch into fight or flight mode.
If you’re favorite type of music is heavy metal, it may not be the best idea to indulge in listening to a Metallica cd, as heavy metal can make the heart race. And why wouldn’t it? Angry undertones may help you get out rage, but they’re not going to bring out your best, when it comes to stress management.
So what can you do with music to help alleviate stress?
One important thing to remember when it comes to music is that it is a natural stress reliever. When I was younger, I would pop some CDs into my music system and just sit there as the music enveloped my thoughts. What I found as I listened to the music was that my thoughts began to tune in with the music and brought back pleasant memories that brought me peace.
In addition, I began to think of all the world held in store and what opportunities still lay ahead of me. As a result, I found that I felt a lot more relaxed when I walked back into my life. I also discovered a newfound and renewed sense of self-confidence that I’d been lacking for a long time.
Dance is another technique you can mix with music to alleviate stress.
When you listen to music as a stress management technique, don’t be afraid to let yourself go and dance to the music. A lot of the stress you feel comes from muscles tensing up within your body. So naturally, it just feels good to let yourself go and have fun.
As you do, stretch your arms out in front of you, and watch yourself in the mirror. Admire what you see. Really, it’s okay to do that!
The best music for stress management is the kind that makes you feel good. If you like pop music, keep a collection of pop hits on your ipod and listen. Lay down if it helps.
Close your eyes and listen to the music. Now this doesn’t mean you should fall asleep. Watch yourself with that one, but closing your eyes for a few silent moments will help clear your mind and immerse you in the rhythm of the music.
One more tip that may help you is to pick music that improves your mood. If you’re feeling low, consider some upbeat music with a steady beat. Happy music tends to have a good effect on your mood, and may actually enhance your overall attitude.
If you’re having trouble deciding what type of music will help you relax, turn on the radio and sample what is playing.
If you’re used to doing things for others, take some time to think about yourself. You do deserve some downtime. Take advantage of it, even if only for a few minutes.
If you can’t afford fancy equipment, such as an ipod, a lot of libraries carry free cds and of course you can listen to the radio for free.
Experts say that music can stimulate the brain and activate the much-needed relaxation necessary to reduce blood pressure and reduce your chances of a life-threatening illness.
Each song you listen to will bring a completely different feeling. If you listen to a love song, you may be carried back to memories of someone you once loved and you may rexperience emotions you felt during those times.
Lose yourself in the memory, and you will begin to see the positive effects of music as a relaxation technique.
If you are genuinely trying to improve your health and reduce stress at the same time, you may want to consider some new age music that simulates the sound of a forest and has peaceful instrument sounds woven throughout
As you sample different types of music, you are certain to come across something that appeals to you. Now go out and find that something!
