Utilizing music to enhance your mood is one of the easiest things you can do when you are feeling overwhelmed and stressed. Do you ever notice how when you hear a favorite song and turn it up to sing along, or even start to dance, that almost immediately you feel happier?
Music can instantly take your mind off of the issues at hand that are causing you grief and leave you feeling much better about yourself and the world.
Listening to some tunes is a great option when you are too physically and emotionally exhausted to incorporate some traditional exercise in your day.
If you can get your body up to dance, even just for one favorite song, your heart will start pumping and positive endorphins will be released. Physical activity will also burn up any stress hormones active in your system.
Working out at home via dancing in the living room to some music can be just as beneficial as hitting the gym. Grab some soup cans or bottles of juice for light hand weights and get your heart rate going!
Maybe you have some ankle weights gathering dust in the basement? Strapping them on and cleaning the house to some loud music is an easy way to get a workout in.
Different Kinds of Music
Depending on your personal preferences, you may enjoy a wide range of music or only one genre. Perhaps you like instrumental music only, something that reminds you of visiting the spa for a massage. Maybe you prefer to rock out on your air guitar to some loud rock and roll or the latest pop song.
Your choices will likely vary with your mood. Even if you are sad and start with poignant tunes, you may find yourself moving to more upbeat happy songs by the end of the session. Pick music that resonates with your soul. Play it often. You and your houseplants will notice a positive difference in your energy levels!
Free Music from the Library
Tired of your CD collection? Too busy to download some new music from your computer? Too broke to have a Satellite Radio subscription? No worries! Many people forget that most local libraries offer a wealth of resources other than books. There are hundreds of music CDs and DVDs that can both enlightening and relax your mind.
Watch your favorite band play live in concert via some DVDs. Take some new CDs along on your next road trip or while you are stuck in your traffic commute.
Listening to the music before you buy or spending time searching online can be mind-expanding. You may fall in love with some new music groups or old classics that you never would have stumbled across otherwise.
New Age Music
This broad term encompasses a particular genre of music that blends modern technology and ancient, instrumental music to create relaxing melodies. For example, Celtic music is one of the most popular kinds of stress relief music that falls into this category.
The harmonic sounds can get your imagination going somewhere positive. The upbeat, “River Dance” kind of songs are great when you have to mow the lawn or want some new lively music for your cardio workout.
Music that contains certain instruments such as the piano, flute or the Celtic harp can be excellent choices to help you relax. Perhaps you respond well to ocean waves and sounds of nature. Some people find that their creative energy seems to flow better when they listen to these kinds of music. As they become more relaxed, it is possible that their creative side can come out to play easier.
