Healthy Music

Music has an uncanny way of lifting my mood. When I’m stressed, I can escape into another world filled with melodic sounds. It doesn’t matter whether it’s gospel, jazz, rock, or soulful tunes, the music creates a feeling of well being and calms my stressed mind.

I’ve always thought this effect was simply because I love music. There’s something about it that soothes my soul and makes me happy. I love to sing, and I love to play the piano. And, most of all, I love to praise God with my music and songs. From my earliest days, I remember singing with my family, singing in church, and later singing competitively in school. I have always felt a connection to music.

It turns out that this connection may not be limited to my mind. According to Mike Miller from the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore, playing or listening to music actually affects the cardiovascular system. When people listen to music, the inner lining of their blood vessels relaxes, allows blood to circulate more freely, and produces chemicals that protect the heart. Miller goes on to say that “music may be one of the best de-stressors — either by playing or even listening” to it.

In fact, during a recent Stanford University study, elderly patients battling depression improved their mood and self-esteem after visits with a music therapist. The Mayo Clinic also uses music as part of its cardiovascular surgery healing program to “promote relaxation and reduce tension, stress and anxiety.” The music helps patients relax which can help decrease pain, lift moods, and improve sleep, especially during recovery.

There is a catch, however. It must be music that you like. When Miller’s study participants listened to music they didn’t particularly enjoy, the vessels began to close. That’s the same thing that tension — or stress — does to your cardiovascular system.

Apparently, our systems also like variety. Listening repeatedly to the same tune diminishes the positive effects. Miller recommends varying songs so “when you hear the song fresh, it brings back the sense of joy and opens up the system.”

So, the next time you’re feeling stressed, just grab that iPod and put it on shuffle. Your heart will thank you.