The enduring power of music

By Sureshni Pilapita

We live a life in the fast lane these days, and we hardly find any time to do anything else,enjoy ourselves, go for a show or a concert, go for a walk or listen to some music.

Of course, some people find enough time to do these things even if they have their hands full, but most of us these days do not have the time, or the mood or whenever we find time, something or other prevents us from doing it. whenever you ask someone to have some relaxation by some way of entertainment the most common words they use are, “I'm busy “or” have no time,” “not in the mood” and there are so many similar excuses.

But do you know that listening to music or reading a book or watching a movie or any other way of entertainment can do miracles. Surprisingly, listening to a good music after a hard day's work is one of the best ways to overcome stress, and it can also change our moods and emotions.

The soothing power of music is well established. Music has a unique link to our emotions, and it can be an extremely effective stress management tool.

Relaxing effect

Listening to music can have a tremendously relaxing effect on our mind and body, especially slow, quiet classical music. This type of music can have a beneficial effect on our physiological functions, slowing the pulse rate, lowering blood pressure and decreasing the levels of stress hormones.

As music can absorb our attention, it acts as a distraction at the same time it helps to explore emotions. This means it can be a great aid to meditation, helping to prevent the mind wandering.

Musical preference varies widely among people, so only you can decide what you like and what is suitable for each mood. But even if you don’t usually listen to classical music it may be worth giving it a try when selecting the most calming music.

Musical genres

The preference of music or different tastes of music varies from one person to another which means that people can have their own choice of the particular musical type. Some people might like rock music, some classical music, others may like pop, R&B and Hip hop.

But in classical music, the soothing effect of the song makes you feel absolutely relieved and relaxed. Therefore, musical genres such as opera music, which belongs to the classical music category, can contribute a great deal to ease off our mind, body and soul, and help us to recover from stress.

When people are very stressed, there is a tendency to avoid actively listening to music. Perhaps it appears to be a waste of time, not helping to achieve anything.

But productivity increases when stress is reduced, so this is another area where you can gain rewards. It just takes a small effort to begin with.

When you talk about stress, there's emotional stress as well as work stress. Maybe you'll feel depressed and lonely, with nobody to talk to or maybe you're going through some tough emotional situation which is difficult to bear, which can be a family affair or a break up or the separation from a loved one.

Some people have the emotional strength to bear it, while others are emotionally weak and need some help and encouragement, by talking to a friend or consulting a trustworthy person.

Entertainment

And music too is a way of getting rid of that burden in your head.

Soothing ,soft music's the best remedy for such situations, helps reflect and meditate,and focus your mind on one aspect.

There might be some people who say that such music makes you feel even worse, by getting more depressed and sad, but people can have different opinions about it. Obviously, engaging yourself in any entertainment activity makes you feel much better.

Work stress is something that you get having a heavy work load or having to shoulder many work responsibilities or it can be even having an argument with one of your colleagues.

It depends on how mentally strong you are and how you can take it and react to it. If you're in a terrible mental trauma you may even find it difficult to relax yourself engaging in some other activity.

To incorporate music into a busy life, try playing CDs in the car, or put the radio on when in the bath. Take portable music with you when walking the dog or put the stereo on instead of the TV.

Singing along can also be a great release of tension. Karaoke is very enjoyable for some extroverts. There are people who release their stress and tension by singing out loud or dancing to some loud and catchy tune.

Rock n’ Roll, Dance and Techno music are examples. Calming music before bedtime promotes peace and relaxation and helps to induce sleep.

Research on music

Research also has been done on music. Music has always been a part of life and it has been there since the primitive era. The sweet singing of a bird or the ripple of some water or the sound of a waterfall are music to the ear.

Music has been used for hundreds of years to treat illnesses and restore harmony between mind and body. But recently, scientific studies have attempted to measure the potential benefits of music. They have found:

* Music’s form and structure can bring order and security to disabled and distressed children. It encourages coordination and communication and improving the quality of life.

* Listening to music on headphones reduces stress and anxiety in hospital patients before and after surgery.

* Music can help reduce the sensation and distress of chronic pain and postoperative pain.

* Listening to music can relieve depression and increase self-esteem ratings in elderly people.

* Making music can reduce burnout and improve mood among nursing students.

* Music therapy significantly reduces emotional distress and boosts quality of life among adult cancer patients.

Meditation

Certain music is appropriate for meditation as it can help the mind slow down and initiate the relaxation response. However, not all peaceful or “New Age” music works for everyone. Music with no structure can be irritating or even unsettling. Gentle music with a familiar melody more often is comforting. But search around to find what produces a sense of calm, familiarity and centeredness for you as an individual.

The sounds of nature are often incorporated into CDs made specifically for relaxation. For example, the sound of water can be soothing for some people. It can help conjure up calming images such as lying beside a mountain stream on a warm spring day. Birdsong may also be of use as an aid to help your mind slow down and release stressful thoughts. Therefore, music is not only a way of relaxation, it's also a passion and a spiritual healer. So take time to listen to some music whenever you have the time or whatever mood you're in and see the positive results.