Music To My Ears!

Music To My Ears

The Power of Music

As I sit here on this hot, muggy, steamy late June day, I am finding comfort not only in the precious air conditioner that is keeping my room cool, but joy and relaxation in the melodic melodies from my MP3 player, (and no, I do not have an Ipod).  It's amazing how the right song, at the right time can take you back to places enjoyable or sometimes a more somber time.  Few things have this power, but music, music has this power. I can remember the strains of listening to The O'Jays and Sister Sledge,Temptations and the Commodores going on trips. To this day when I hear those songs it brings back happy childhood memories of my father driving, my mother dozing and me and my brother fighting in the backseat of the car.  This is when music was music and all the songs were good on 8 track because there was no reverse, rewind or forward button. 

I have known that music is used as a type of therapy for meditation, relaxation and stress reducing.  What I didn't know was the value that music has in reducing pain, increase your IQ and relieve insomnia, also decrease depression.  All things that anyone can greatly benefit from.  This has got me thinking that the research is right on target with music.  

I did my own little research on myself.  I made columns with heart rate, pulse, blood pressure and mood.  I took these vitals and rated my mood after spending time listening to various types of music i.e. jazz, classical, hip hop, reggae, pop, classic R&B.  I have to tell you, research has it on the money.  I was calmer with lower pulse and blood pressure based on music i.e. jazz and easy listening.  I was happy with happy music, I was sad on sad songs etc.  Music fuels your soul and can shift your mood, either good or bad.  I am just focusing on keeping my mood good, lessen my depression. Maybe that will lead me to being off of antidepressants.  One can hope. 

I have decided to do music therapy on myself.  I have programmed songs from today and from yesterday. My taste is eclectic from my childhood favorites of the Commodores, the Tempting Temptations, Donna Summer, Lenny Kravitz (if you know him, please forward my information to him:0)! I have a MAJOR crush.),  Nicki Minaj,  Gym Class Heroes,  Maroon 5, to Carly Rae Jepson.  All are upbeat tunes to bump up my mood.  Later in the evening my focus turns toward my jazz and easy listening to soothe tension and ease stress and induce relaxation.  I have a lot of Kenny G and David Cos and Sade. And, I have to say, it works and it works well.  At night, I find that when I switch to my jazz and easy listening music, I am calmer and it allows me to go into rest mode easily and sleep better.  My hope is not to rely so much on my nighttime medication to control my sleep and anxiety. The music does seem to be working.  

So, I tell anyone, if you have MS or not, give music a try.  Music calms, soothes and relaxes.  My next research on myself is how music helps alleviate pain.  Will keep you posted.  But in the meantime, turn up the tunes and let the music take you away.  You'll be happy with the trip you take, I promise you.