Music as a Health and Relaxation Aid

Music as a Health and Relaxation Aid Stress Management Management Techniques Relaxation Print Music Relaxation: A Healthy Stress Management Tool Why and How Music Aids Relaxation By Elizabeth Scott, MS twitter Elizabeth Scott, MS, is a wellness coach specializing in stress management and quality of life, and the author of 8 Keys to Stress Management. Learn about our editorial policy Elizabeth Scott, MS Updated on June 24, 2019 Pascal Broze/Getty Images More in Stress Management Management Techniques Relaxation Physical Techniques Time Management Effects on Health Situational Stress Job Stress Household Stress Relationship Stress With all the ways music affects your body, you can probably already clearly see how music can be used as an effective relaxation and stress management tool. In addition to the many physical changes that music can bring (which I list in this article on music and music therapy), music is especially helpful in relaxation and stress management because it can be used in the so many ways.  Here are some of the most important ways that music can help with stress management. Music and Physical Relaxation Music can promote relaxation of tense muscles, enabling you to easily release some of the tension you carry from a stressful day (or week).  When you relax your muscles and loosen your body, your mind also relaxes, which can help you to reduce plenty of tension and stress that you may not have realized you were carrying.  Music is a simple and fun way to let all the tension just drain away. Music as an Aid in Stress Relief Activities Music can help you get ‘into the zone’ when practicing yoga, self-hypnosis or guided imagery, can help you feel energized when exercising, help dissolve the stress when you’re soaking in the tub, and be a helpful part of many other stress relief activities. It can take an effective stress reliever and make it even more effective! Music and a Meditative State As mentioned before, music can help your brain get into a meditative state, which carries wonderful stress relief benefits with it. For those who find meditation intimidating, listening to music can be an easier alternative.  Music is easy for kids to enjoy, too, so while meditation may be challenging to teach to your kids, putting on the right music can be a way to ease them into a more meditative state without their completely realizing it. Music to Promote a Positive Focus Music, especially upbeat tunes, can take your mind off what stresses you, and help you feel more optimistic and positive. This helps release stress and can even help you keep from getting as stressed over life’s little frustrations in the future.  An uplifting song can also bring the benefits of positive affect, which can empower you to notice more opportunities and seize them when you can, which can also help with stress relief.  (And while were on the topic of uplifting music, some happy songs practically force you to dance to them, and this type of exercise can be great for stress management, too!) Music and Affirmations The way you see the world and the type of self-talk you habitually use can also have a profound effect on your stress level, which is why positive affirmations that create more positive self-talk are so helpful. Music that has affirming lyrics can bring the double benefit of music and positive affirmations, helping you to surround yourself with positive energy and more often look on the bright side, letting stressful events more easily roll off your back. These are some of the reasons that music is one of the easiest and most effective relaxation tools available, and music is such a great stress management tool to add to your everyday life.