Stress Management Techniques - Can Music Help?

In a world full of pressures, tension and anxiety, stress management is not a luxury. Often, the lack of effective stress management can lead to missed opportunities, underperformance, decline in interpersonal relationships and health problems. Most importantly, a stressed out person can never be happy or grow to their potential. This is why it is important to practice effective stress management techniques in your daily life, regardless of whether you are a homemaker, a top-notch executive or a savvy politician. n
A number of stress management techniques like deep breathing, Yoga, massage, meditation and visualization can effectively help you fight stress. But these are activities that require some amount of free, personal time. Unfortunately, time is something most people do not have enough of these days. This is the #1 reason why most people continue to lead highly stressed, unhealthy lives. But what if there was a way in which you could relieve stress from your mind and body, while you are on the go?

This is where music as an effective stress management tool can help. Man has always been instinctively aware of the healing powers of music. The Bible talks about David playing on his harp to lift the spirits of King Saul. Ancient folklore talks about how kings were fond of listening to music during their free time. This is because music has the unique capacity to change moods and relieve stress instantly.

Our brain is wired to respond to the different tempos in different kinds of music. The brain automatically evokes sensations that can respond to a particular beat and rhythm. Lively beats enhance happiness and enthusiasm. Similarly, soft music has a cooling and soothing effect on the mind. On hearing the proper notes, the brain automatically synchronizes its left and right hemispheres. This healing capacity of music has made it one of the most effective stress management strategies in the modern era.

Our physical body and chakra centers or energy centers as they are better known, respond very specifically to different notes. What kind of music can help you is a matter of personal choice. There is no single kind of music that can be considered good for everyone. Generally, music with a slow rhythm and with repetitive cyclical patterns is very effective. The effect of stress relaxation strategies, particularly that of music, on the body is clear. The first effect is the initiation of unconscious deep breathing. The body begins to release serotonin, decreases the heart rate and promotes a slightly higher body temperature. All these are signs that the body is beginning to relax. The best part about this stress management strategy is that you can listen to your favorite piece of music any time of the day and at any place. You can truly and effectively recharge your batteries even when you are on the go. n