Luckily there is a better alternative to a remedy sleepless nights, music. Music offers various advantages compared to sleep medication. Most importantly, there are no side effects when listening to music. The inextricable link between music and stress relief lets you use sound to create a productive rhythm for each part of your day. Whether preparing for a test, exercise circuit, or bedtime—all it takes is the right range of BPMs.
Jackson says that it can also increase the release of the feel-good neurotransmitter dopamine in your brain, which can reduce stress and, as a result, help you feel more relaxed. Plus, she adds, “When we listen to music, our mood improves, and we feel happier.” Check out these breathing exercises that can help you relax in minutes. It is of great interest that the lowest concentrations of cortisol were observed in the acoustic control condition (i.e. listening to the sound of rippling water). Given that, to the best of our knowledge, no study so far has investigated the effects of natural sounds on stress-related HPA axis responses, we did not anticipate this outcome. The sound of rippling water was equally preferred and perceived as relaxing as music by our participants.
It’s important to keep your mind sharp, which is one of the Meditation Music great benefits listening to music can provide. You might make music a part of your everyday routine to help calm your stress, by listening to it in the car, while exercising, or while taking your morning shower. Including music as you go about your day is a great way to reduce stress or be better prepared for it when it comes your way. When your stress levels are high, it might seem natural to try to stay away from listening to music in order to solve your stresses.
Guided meditation involves music with a narrator or speaker that directs your energy flow and focus, or offers positive affirmations. A team of neuroscientists, which Dr. Lewis-Hodgson lead, conducted a study on sound therapy. Participants had to attempt to solve puzzles, which induced stress, with sensors attached to their bodies. They then had to listen to different songs while researchers measured and recorded their heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure. Research further shows how music can be effective in relieving the symptoms of depression and other mood disorders. It can improve both depression and sleep in people with post-traumatic stress disorder, according to recent research.
And even mild anxiety can have a negative effect on our ability to lead a productive life. It can interfere with being able to enjoy the simple things in life. The State and Trait Anxiety Inventory was used to assess anxiety. The STAI consists of two 20-items questionnaires which assess state respectively trait levels of anxiety in clinical and non-clinical populations. The STAI-state was used as a continuous measurement for possible changes in anxiety during the experiment.