How to Soothe your Spirit with Music

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By Langley Cornwell
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Soothe your Spirit with Music

Music is a universal pleasure; it has a profound effect on our bodies and our spirits. In fact, a growing field known as Music Therapy explores the use of music to heal, relieve stress, increase relaxation and stimulate celebration. Music has the power to ignite our imaginations and make us happy.

Several recent studies have explored the benefits of music during surgery for both surgeons and patients. Music improved surgeons’ accuracy while increasing the patients’ tolerance for pain during the surgical procedure. Additionally, music increased the patient's recovery time. Music has even proven effective in helping cancer patients cope with the side effects of chemotherapy.

Music Therapy is used in nursing homes to improve mood, encourage socialization and enhance the mental function of patients with Alzheimer's, dementia, chronic pain and other health conditions.

Music affects us in many powerful ways. Research indicates that music helps ward off depression, promotes movement, calms us and eases muscle tension. Perhaps it's time to explore the benefits music may have on your spirit. After all, free music is everywhere.

"The greatest moments of the Human Spirit may be deduced from the greatest moments in music." -Aaron Copland, American Composer (1900-1990)

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Music

Step 1

Tune in to the Music
There is no particular song, note or tune that will create the same effect for everyone. Music can be used to encourage a more positive state of mind and bring you in touch with memories, feelings and emotions - but this is an individual process. Therefore, don't pay strict attention to the niche the music occupies; try not to choose music for a particular purpose by genre. If certain music is marketed for stress-relief, there is no guarantee that YOU will find it helpful in relieving stress. Explore. Some people automatically think classical music is relaxing, but that’s not always true. Think of Brahms' Second Piano Concerto, which is full of angst and anger. On the other hand, some find new age music too thin, void of enough musicality to help you relax. You are looking for music that keeps depression and anxiety at bay, which can help prevent the stress response from wreaking havoc on your body. Listen to yourself as you listen to the music. Keep looking until you find what works for you.
Step 2

Find the Rhythm in the Music.
After a hectic day you may be inclined to play smooth, soothing music. Even if you are still spinning from a busy day, you may think slow music is the correct choice because you want to slow your pace. Studies indicate, however, that it may be more efficient to relax by playing music that matches your current mood. Synchronize your music with your mood and then incrementally move to slower music. Your goal is to give your mind and body time to slow down gradually. It is most efficient to meet where you are, then gradually change pace, pulse and pattern to reach your goal.

Music can assist in keeping depression and anxiety at bay, which helps prevent the stress response from wreaking havoc on our bodies. The recipe for slowing down is a steady pulse of 60 beats per minute, which is the average resting heart rate. A simple melody within a small range and some repetition promotes relaxation. And a solid, slow-moving bass line helps pump up creativity and optimism.
Step 3

Break the Rules when Listening to the Music.
Music has been found to bring many other benefits, such as lowering blood pressure (which reduces the risk of stroke and other health problems), boosting immunity and easing muscle tension. We know that the optimal music for relaxation is personal, so be aware of your own responses. Even if a piece of music meets all the criteria to soothe your soul, if you don't like it, you're not going to benefit from it. Try something new and different. You may find that your reaction to the same song varies from day to day. Go with what moves you. With so many benefits and such profound physical effects, why not try music as an important tool to help the body and spirit stay healthy.