Music is a terrific stress reliever because it provides cerebral distraction, as well as reduces stress hormones and muscle tension. In San Diego, California, residents are welcomed to join The Music Therapy Center of California. The center shows how effective stress management can begin and end with your favorite song. Simply hearing a song can cause your mind to become distracted from your problems and absorbed in something unrelated to your stress. If you’re feeling down, it’s time to turn up the radio.
Sad Songs Say So Much
Japanese scientists have discovered that sad music actually results in positive emotions. You may think putting on a Hank Williams record would cause your stress levels to rise, but that’s simply not the case.
In a study published in the journal, Frontiers in Psychology, sad songs were proven to elicit positive emotions. Researchers discovered sad songs elicit differing emotions, such as feelings of romance. They also discovered that the sadness one feels when listening to sad music isn’t comparable to general sadness.
“Sadness through art actually feels pleasant.”
Sad songs can pull at the heart strings causing the listener to feel emotion. Researchers believe these discoveries can help people who are dealing with daily negative emotions.
“Emotion experienced by music has no direct danger or harm, unlike the emotion experienced in everyday life. Therefore, we can even enjoy unpleasant emotion such as sadness. If we suffer from unpleasant emotion evoked through daily life, sad music might be helpful to alleviate negative emotion,” the researchers concluded.
Groove is in the Heart
If you’re feeling down, it may help to listen to your favorite dance music. Dance therapy is the use of movement to improve mental and physical well-being. There is a connection between your mind and body that promotes expression, health and healing. Although there are few studies on dance therapy, the American Cancer Society suggests that it may be effective in improving self-esteem and reducing stress.
Not only will the music you’re hearing lift your spirits, you’ll also be moving. In dance classes, you’re getting the benefit of what you’re hearing, as well as the benefit of exercise. Physical activities encourage the body to produce endorphins, which causes feelings of well-being. Dancing to music is a quick way to combat stress, so don’t be afraid to plug in your iPod when you need a midday pick-me-up.
Play That Funky Music
In 2005, a revolutionary study proved that playing music can reverse multiple components of the human stress response on the genomic level. Learning to play an instrument, or sing, is an easy way to reduce stress levels and keep them low. More than reading or relaxing, playing music reduces stress. It may require lessons to learn to play an instrument or sing. The human interaction, brought on by taking these lessons, is another proven stress reliever. The Music Therapy Center in San Diego, mentioned at the beginning of this article, promotes working together, with others, to learn and create – all great methods for reducing stress and promoting overall well-being.
If the thought of picking up an instrument isn’t appealing to you, consider the benefits of learning to sing. Everyone sings at the center, so there’s no reason to be nervous. Haven’t you always wanted to learn to sing? If you’d prefer some privacy before going public with your voice, you can take advantage of private music lessons from an accredited instructor in your town. They’ll help you build your confidence and vocal range, while the exercise works to reduce your stress.
Music can play a large role in reducing your stress. Don’t be afraid to crank up the volume and sing along because these activities are scientifically proven to be good for you. The recipe for reducing stress is: listen, dance, play and repeat!