Music Therapy:
Using Music to Relieve Stress
Using music therapy for stress can be an effective tool to
help you towards healing and wholeness.
One might ask what music has to do with the well being of
one's mind or body. Scientific research has a lot to say when it
comes to music and the effects it has on our body and mind.
According to the
American Music Therapy Association, it is a "formal" established healthcare
profession that uses music to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social
needs of individuals of all ages. It is used to promote wellness, manage stress,
alleviate pain, express feelings, enhance memory and help during times of
physical rehabilitation. Board certified Music Therapist help many in this
growing profession.
Unlike the formal profession, as listed above, there is an
informal type of therapy that is very beneficial in self-help
during times of stress. Using music as a form of self-help
therapy has many benefits in regards to health and stress
management. Music can reduce stress and promote a healthy mind
and body.
Stanford University shares an interesting news release on "The
Therapeutic Benefits of Music Rhythm". It is amazing to
learn that they are using rhythmic music to treat a range of
neurological conditions such as attention deficit disorder,
depression, and
anxiety.
Not only does music have an effect on our brain waves but
also on our breathing and heart rate. Music can also be used to
induce a healthy, positive, state of mind as well as lowing
blood pressure, boosting your immune system, and helping to
release muscle tension.
It is scientifically proven that music has a profound effect
on both mind and body and can also touch our soul in ways that
nothing else can.
Faster rhythms can bring focus and motivation while slower
rhythms can promote relaxation and some may even promote
meditative qualities.
Today there is an extensive variety of different music
styles. There is virtually something for everyone of different
walks of life. Because of our unique, individual makeup, not all
music styles are right for everyone. It is very important to
find music you thoroughly enjoy. Music that produces good
feelings and promotes healthy inner self-talk is most beneficial
to those suffering with stress and stress disorders such as
anxiety and depression.
People who struggle with anxiety and depressive disorders are
easily influenced by negative lyrics. When listening to music
with lyrics, you are better off choosing music with positive,
uplifting and encouraging lyrics and sounds.
It is true that music has the ability to affirm positive
thinking. When it comes to lyrics, it is very important to
recognize what you are listening to and how it is making you
feel inside.
Music can easily be added to any exercise routine. As we
know, there are many
benefits to exercise. Music can motivate you with energizing
beats during aerobic exercise or it can relax you when you are
exercising your mind during visualization and/or meditation. It
can simply be in the background when you are working or just
cleaning your house. Music therapy is a very powerful tool that
can enhance your road toward recovery.
No matter how you look at it, music has the ability to impact
us and how we experience the world around us.
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