| The next time you're feeling stressed, irritable, anxious | | | | 1. Listen to music you like. It doesn't have to be classical |
| or tense -- listen to a little tune. Studies show that | | | | to be relaxing. In fact, if you don't like classical music, it |
| music works wonders at relieving stress and | | | | could make you more stressed! Research has proven |
| increasing overall feelings of well-being. | | | | that listening to the kind of music we like lessens our |
| Some of the ways music soothes stress include: | | | | stress - but music we dislike can actually raise our |
| 1. Deep breathing. When we listen to music, our | | | | stress levels. Jazz, country, reggae, alternative, pop |
| breathing automatically slows and deepens. | | | | and rock music will all reduce stress, if it's your kind of |
| 2. Increased serotonin. Often called the "feel good" | | | | music. |
| chemical, serotonin is a neurotransmitter in our brains | | | | 2. Vary the songs you play. Listening to the same song |
| that affects our feelings of happiness, comfort and | | | | over and over again will lessen the music's |
| relaxation. | | | | stress-relieving effect. |
| 3. Better sleep. Listening to music before bed results in | | | | 3. For extra comfort, listen to old favorites from your |
| a more sound sleep. | | | | youth. |
| 4. Reduced pain. | | | | 4. Listen with our without headphones. Whichever way |
| 5. Slower heart rate | | | | you prefer is best. |
| 6. Lower blood pressure. | | | | 5. Make your own music. Playing an instrument has the |
| 7. Production of heart-protective chemicals. | | | | same effect as listening to music. |
| Why does music have such profound effects on our | | | | 6. Walk while you listen. If you have an MP3 or |
| bodies and minds? The answer could stem back to | | | | walkman, pop on your earphones on and head outside |
| our very first lullaby - in our mother's womb. For nine | | | | for a walk. This will give you a three-fold boost to |
| months we were tucked safely away, comforted by | | | | surmount your stress: music, exercise, and fresh air. If |
| the steady rhythm of a heartbeat and the gentle rush | | | | you aren't in the mood to walk, resting while listening |
| of water surrounding us. | | | | will still be effective. |
| So the next time you're feeling uptight, stressed or | | | | 7. Whether you walk, sit, fold laundry or lie down, listen |
| anxious, turn back to music. Here are some tips on | | | | for about 20 minutes to achieve the best result. Still, |
| how to make music relieve your stress: | | | | even a song or two will help you feel less tense. |