Our culture is full of both Stress and Music .As a psychologist who works with many stressed out people I have studied Stress Reduction Through Music A well known phrase is, “Music calms the savage beast.” As we were stuck in traffic heading up to Maine, I found myself searching the car radio for just the right song to keep my frustration in check. Whether it is listening, playing or performing, music has the potential to keep us calm and relaxed or cheerful and happy. Since music is sound, nature provides similar relaxing effects. As we walked the path overlooking the ocean from Perkin’s Cove to the Ogunquit Beach, you could hear the sounds of the seagulls, the songs of birds and the rhythmic pattern of the wave’s lapping on the shore.
Later that night, we went to the Front Porch, and listened and sang at the piano bar. My friend Esther, a psychologist I have known for many years met us there and even sang a solo! The good news, no special talent required! Everyone sings and the good voices drown out and sometimes blend with the bad but after 30 minutes, all seem to enjoy familiar old show tunes and classic songs. The finale is “The Judy Show,” a female impersonator with a great voice who told great jokes and stories.
Consider how stress reduction through music might become a part of your own stress management tool box. We can listen to music, play music, perform through dance or play a musical instrument.
Since early times, mother’s have soothed their upset children through singing and humming to them. Slaves would sing as a way to ease their burden. Stress reduction through music is universal.
Music has a profound effect on our mood and feelings. I will continue to look for ways to incorporate it into my life and encourage my friends, family and clients to do likewise.