Stress and anxiety. Ho-hum, no pro-blum. Right? So life’s a little stressful. And who cares about anxiety? You and I just sing in the face of such things. Like this…
In case you can’t see the video
copy and paste this link: https://youtu.be/lCE2JiPVkas
Anyway…
Most joking aside, stress and anxiety are real.
And WAY too destructively real for WAY too many people. See if you experience any of these symptoms:
- chest pain
- frustration
- headaches
- insomnia
- irritability
- low energy
- low-self esteem
- moodiness
- overwhelm
Whoa. I think I stressed out just writing down that list. But I have a built-in stress reliever that helps me build my immunity and reduce and eliminate those symptoms. Best news is, it’s a drug-free solution. And it’s so close to free (well, it IS free to me) that virtually anyone can afford it.
“So, quit stressin’ me out and tell me already, Tony!”
OK, here it is. Are you ready?
To quote the Doobie Brothers: “Whoa oh oh, listen to the music.”
Yeah, I’ve mentioned it before how music can make you feel better. And it can reduce stress and anxiety. And you don’t have to take my (professional musician) word for it. Because there are tons of data on the subject.
For example, a publication called “Medical News Today” shared a report about how babies stay calmer for longer periods of time when they hear music. (Side note [sort of] – just so happens I’ve created a bunch of lullabies for just such a purpose) And the calmness is even better than just hearing someone speak.
Research seems to show that the repetitive pattern of music reduces distress. And apparently promotes something called “entrainment.” That’s a very cool ability, the human body has, to synchronize internal rhythms with external rhythms or beats.
Also, some researchers say music might help alleviate your stress as it lowers your body’s cortisol levels. In case you didn’t know, that’s the hormone your body releases (or sends out) to respond to stress.
Before you go turn up the volume on your favorite rap beat (I refuse to call it music), you should know the stress-relieving, cortisol-reducing effect works best with relaxing music.
And have you ever heard of brainstem-mediated measures?
Those are things like blood pressure, body temperature, heart rate, and pulse. And those can be lowered when you listen to relaxing music. And those numbers based readings go back to that internal rhythm syncing up with external rhythm. Slower music and pauses tend to decrease your brainstem-mediated measures. Faster music, of course, does the opposite.
An increasing group of researchers are starting to believe music reduces stress and anxiety so well, it might be an effective treatment for heart conditions. Golly gee, Wally. I could’ve told you that almost ten years ago.
Naturally, this whole music and stress and anxiety connection is an ongoing study. But my reasonably educated guess is you and I were designed to respond to the beauty of music. And music was designed to benefit us.
But that gets me into a whole ‘nother discussion about God’s love. And you probably don’t want that.
Keep words and music in your heart
And sing a song each day.
Then pass it on to someone else…
You were designed that way.
The words and music in your heart
Could be what someone needs
To help them grow and bloom again
Like flowers among weeds.
With words and music in your heart
Your world’s a better place.
So, don’t just keep it locked inside.
Share it with love and grace.
© 2013
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