subject: Relaxing Music - Use for Natural Stress Relief and Relaxation [print this page] Relaxing Music - Use for Natural Stress Relief and Relaxation
Sound has always been one of the oldest stimuli used in psychological therapy, as different kinds can produce different reactions from clients, and using the right kind of relaxing music can be a very effective tool in natural stress relief and relaxation. There are many choices of relaxing music available today, ranging from nature based melodies to metallic toned music suitable for meditation.
Relaxing music and its therapeutic effect is backed up by a number of scientific researches. The human brain produces different brainwaves depending on its current mental state: alpha brainwaves when it is relaxed, and beta and theta waves when stressed. When the brain is exposed to a tone with frequencies similar to that of alpha brainwaves, for example soft music, it will gradually change the brainwaves to match that of the tone's frequency. This will cause gradual manifestations of stress relief and relaxation, including regulated breathing, heart rate and blood pressure, increased release of "feel good" endorphins and a thorough feeling of calmness and focus. For this reason, music and other ambient sounds are frequently used in meditation and spiritual exercises to increase the relaxing and wholesome effect of these activities.
There are many choices of relaxing music available today, ranging from nature based melodies to metallic toned music suitable for meditation. But while a general preference for stress relief and relaxation would be the use of soft music and nature based sounds with soothing melodies, each individual can have his or her own preference for relaxing music. For example, some nature sounds, like rainfall, ocean waves or thunderclaps, can induce tension to some listeners while it can be the choice of calming music for others. It will all depend on how your body and mind will respond to the music's stimulation. In fact, even if your music does not sound relaxing at all, like rock or pop songs, as long as you are enjoying what you're listening to, the tone will still bring positive effects to your body.
To conclude, setting aside time to listen to your favorite calming music is a good habit to have. All you will need is your sound system or portable player and an environment where you can sit or lie down comfortably, and soon you'll start to feel the effects of stress relief and relaxation that will eventually lead you to better health and a more positive outlook in life.
