Taking a Beat & Tune-ing In
Dear ones,
It won’t come as a surprise to most of you that listening to music has numerous psychological benefits. In all the years I’ve worked as a social worker, “music” is the number one most frequent answer to the question “what are some things that help you through hard times?”
According to this article, the benefits of music can include:
Improved cognitive performance
Reduced stress & anxiety
Improved sleep
Increased motivation
Mood support
Reduction in depression symptoms
And if you’re really into science, this article has even more of the research!
Popular music and music we love can have a strong impact on our energy – whether it’s listening to mood-congruent music (i.e. sad music when we’re sad) in order to be present to our feelings and not be alone in that emotional experience; listening to upbeat music when we need a pick-me-up; or listening to soothing music when we’re feeling anxious or hyper. (And music can be a gateway to dancing, which is a bonus for the body!)
But there are also certain frequencies, beats, sound waves and rhythms that have been shown to have healing effects not just on the mind, but on the body at the cellular level. Solfeggio frequencies, binaural beats and resonant sounds like chimes and singing bowls can have a profound impact on brainwaves and body chemistry.
Check out this website for a comprehensive library of sound-healing resources and information. Additionally, the Insight Timer app has a whole section on music for meditation, relaxation and sound healing.
Finally, this YouTube video is a 10-hour piece called Weightless, by British ambient band Marconi Union, that was “composed in collaboration with sound therapists… and designed to help slow a listener’s heart rate, reduce blood pressure and lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol.” According to this article, this piece was found to reduce anxiety by up to 65% and overall physiological resting rates by 35% in research studies. Forbes magazine calls this piece “the world’s most relaxing song” and shares the science that proves it.
Wherever you are on your healing journey, it’s great to give your body and mind healing music breaks throughout the day… and playing healing sounds in the background during other activities might have an added benefit. Nothing beats stress-beating beats and tunes that help you tune in!!
Peace,
Glynn
