Make Even Your Most Dreaded Tasks More Enjoyable
This Week's Simple Tip
I love music, and almost always have it playing in the background. The type of music varies based on what I am doing while listening. If I am cooking, I have a LOUD concert of classic rock'n'roll, but when I am writing, I play calming music which helps with the flow, and actually makes for a very enjoyable work environment. We recently had our kitchen updated. At one point, there were five contractors working, with diverse cultural backgrounds. I was playing my soft, writing music. Individually throughout the day, they all wanted to know what music it was because they really enjoyed the peacefulness and calm it brought to their work. There are many research studies that show the profound effect music has on both the emotions and the body. Different beats per minute yield different results, which is why I choose faster music when I'm cooking versus slower music when I'm writing. Researchers at Stanford University have said that "listening to music seems to be able to change brain functioning to the same extent as medication." Who would have thought that something so readily accessible and enjoyable would be such an easy way to de-stress!!
This Week's Focus
This week, let music take you away. Experiment with different kinds of music. See if faster music helps you feel more alert and better able to concentrate. Test to see if a slower tempo helps to quiet your mind and relax your muscles. Hopefully at the end of the week, you feel more relaxed.
Click on the serenity sticky to print, cut and post on your bathroom mirror to remind you of this week's focus. Good luck!
A Little Helpful Hint
What type of music reduces stress the best? Studies show that even when played moderately loud, Native American, Celtic, Indian stringed-instruments, drums, and flutes are very effective at relaxing the mind.
The sounds of rain, thunder, and nature like you hear when you get a massage are also relaxing, especially when mixed with other music. You are the best judge of what works best for you! Here is a nice instrumental playlist to start experimenting with.
