Stress Relief Through Music Therapy
How many people suffer from stress these days? Experts tell us that in the west it's the majority of people! That probably accounts for the fact that stress relief programs appear like mushrooms. Some are useless, but many work - and one of the best has proved to be music therapy. It works not only in reducing the stress of grown-ups and kids - but even 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).
Tell Me More About Music Therapy!
There are different types of music therapy. Some involve playing music, but we'll focus on the type that involves listening to music for the purpose of helping the listener to relax and be calm, and so gain anxiety and stress relief.
Meditation is often used with music therapy, and through a combination of listening, correct breathing and guided imagery, we can tap into the deeper levels of the subconscious mind. This affects not only our hormonal balance, but our moods and general health.
How Does Music Do This?
Psychologists tell us music works on a very subtle subconscious level. In particular they refer to the beat, or rhythm, of the music. They point to the fact that before birth we felt safe, warm and secure within the womb, and the most reassuring sound was that of the mother's heart beat.
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 rhythms
* Native American
* New Age
Bear in mind that different styles of music can affect the mind differently:
When you're lonely and blue, steer clear of weepy country songs!
When you're all worked up and on the brink of exhaustion, hard rock may not help you relax. However, if you're weighed down by boredom and are fretting with stored-up energy, heavy metal could be the very thing (if that's what you're into).
When you're facing a challenge and no one else can help, putting on your favorites from the 'old days' of your youth can have a very encouraging effect.
If it's relaxation you're after, instrumental music with flutes, bass drums and even sounds from nature - bird song, ocean waves, rustling leaves, etc. - are your best bet. These all have an extraordinarily calming effect.
How To Make The Most Of Music Therapy
These tips will help you get the most from your music therapy:
* Set aside a minimum of 20 minutes in a place where you won't be bothered by others
* Lie down or sit - but don't be too comfortable!
* Or you may prefer to walk in a restful, quiet environment while listening to your iPod or CD player. This can also combine regular, deep breathing and 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
When you are really into music therapy you'll notice great all-round improvement in your physical, mental and spiritual health. You'll look back and wish you discovered it earlier!
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).
Tell Me More About Music Therapy!
There are different types of music therapy. Some involve playing music, but we'll focus on the type that involves listening to music for the purpose of helping the listener to relax and be calm, and so gain anxiety and stress relief.
Meditation is often used with music therapy, and through a combination of listening, correct breathing and guided imagery, we can tap into the deeper levels of the subconscious mind. This affects not only our hormonal balance, but our moods and general health.
How Does Music Do This?
Psychologists tell us music works on a very subtle subconscious level. In particular they refer to the beat, or rhythm, of the music. They point to the fact that before birth we felt safe, warm and secure within the womb, and the most reassuring sound was that of the mother's heart beat.
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 rhythms
* Native American
* New Age
Bear in mind that different styles of music can affect the mind differently:
When you're lonely and blue, steer clear of weepy country songs!
When you're all worked up and on the brink of exhaustion, hard rock may not help you relax. However, if you're weighed down by boredom and are fretting with stored-up energy, heavy metal could be the very thing (if that's what you're into).
When you're facing a challenge and no one else can help, putting on your favorites from the 'old days' of your youth can have a very encouraging effect.
If it's relaxation you're after, instrumental music with flutes, bass drums and even sounds from nature - bird song, ocean waves, rustling leaves, etc. - are your best bet. These all have an extraordinarily calming effect.
How To Make The Most Of Music Therapy
These tips will help you get the most from your music therapy:
* Set aside a minimum of 20 minutes in a place where you won't be bothered by others
* Lie down or sit - but don't be too comfortable!
* Or you may prefer to walk in a restful, quiet environment while listening to your iPod or CD player. This can also combine regular, deep breathing and 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
When you are really into music therapy you'll notice great all-round improvement in your physical, mental and spiritual health. You'll look back and wish you discovered it earlier!
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