We are nearing the end of our week of putting into place regular habits that help increase our resiliency in dealing with stress! So far we have taken these steps:

Step #1 Get Outside

Step #2 Get Some Exercise

Step #3 Get Enough Sleep

Step #4 Reach Out and Touch Call Someone!

Step #5 Play!

Today we add Step #6 Turn on the Music!

There are many benefits to listening to music. Cheerful music can make us feel happy, alert, and energetic. It does this partly because music connects with our limbic system, the part of the brain that controls feelings and emotions. Listening to music releases endorphins (our feel good chemicals) and so we experience fewer negative effects of stress. It can provide benefits such as:

• Decreasing anxiety
• Lifting mood
• Improving concentration and memory
• Boosting our immune system
• Reducing pain and increasing healing
• Lowering blood pressure
• Improving sleep
• Increasing our effort during exercise

Music can be used while we do our regular activities so it takes no extra time! Allow music instead of TV or news to be the backdrop for your daily life and watch how it impacts your mood! While you’re getting ready in the morning, driving to work (if you are these days) cooking, cleaning, eating, going to bed at night… turn on the music to counteract the stress you may be experiencing these days.

So make a playlist! Crank up the tunes and have a dance party in your kitchen!