At the end of an old year and the beginning of a new one, the song Auld Lang Syne is sung by many people to bid farewell to the old year. Why does this song impact so many of us? Because it is a reminder of “old long since”, times past, the good old days, or better times in our life. Music has been a part of mankind for at least 43,000 years. Primitive flutes were made of bones. Auld Lang Syne was actually a poem written by Richard Burns of Scotland, but it was based on an older Scottish folk song.
Music adds much to our lives… in more than just the appreciation of beautiful music. “Music hath charms to sooth the savage breast. To soften rocks, or bend the knotted oak” – William Convreve wrote in the middle 1600’s. We can use music to enrich our lives in many ways.
Therapeutic Music
Music to promote a healing environment has been used in many cultures throughout history. The roots of therapeutic music started in Greece by Pythagoras who taught music as a medical science. Some of the benefits of therapeutic music are:
- Stabilize our heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration rates
- Can have a positive effect on protective cells of the immune system
- Can lead to a state of deep relaxation
- Can increase endorphin levels which can reduce the level of pain
- Salivary immunoglobulin, which speeds healing, may be increased
- Aides in drug and alcohol detoxification
- May reduce infection, aid digestion and reduce stress
Music for Sleeping
We discussed ways to help us fall asleep and stay asleep on a previous blog. Now there are other options available to aid in our sleeping. If you own an Alexa, you can ask her to play “Classical Music for Sleeping” or “Binaural Beats”. The great thing about using Alexa, is that you can play the music for a specific time period.
If you prefer to use your phone apps, Pandora, Spotify, YouTube, etc., then you can select the type of music which relaxes you and use ear buds or headphones. Most of the apps have a “music for sleeping” playlist. Whatever your choice, you will find this type of music effective in improving your time and quality of sleep.
Music for Working (Productivity)
There are specific types of music for being productive in your work. Research supports this concept. As Harvard Business Review says, “Music is magical”.
Other Music Uses
There is music for studying, for working out, for relaxing, for working in the office, for deep focus while working, chill music for creativity, and any other activity where you can listen to music.
So, I recommend you think about which type of music will help you with whatever activity you choose and start listening to the right music for you. Choose your own playlist. What is right for you may not be the right choice for your friend. So, keep listening…
Warm Regards,
Dr. Mike
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