Sound Heals, Music Soothes

 

If you haven't heard, the power of sound and music is a super-elixir for improving memory, social & emotional wellness, executive functioning, rehabilitation, problem-solving, motor skills, wellness, and creative expression. What it can do to a brain that is experiencing dementia and cognitive decline is also quite amazing.

SING A SONG OF SIXPENCE

I’ve watched hundreds of people go through dementia, including my own mother, right to the end of their life; and one thing I’ve always been astounded by is what music does to the brain, even while going through the journey of living with dementia.

Just days before my mother passed, we took her to a Valentine’s Day celebration that had a sing-along. All the songs being sung were from the 1930s and beyond, and while she hadn’t said much in weeks, when the music started up, she sang every single word to each song…. correctly. I was stunned that she knew the lyrics to obscure songs I’d never heard of. How did she remember them? She was happy those last few hours. Music had brought her one last bit of joy.

MIRACULOUS MELODIES

A person with dementia can be redirected when engaging in stressful behaviors by using music as a miraculous tool to enhance social and emotional function. Music can also slow down and minimize panic attacks. It helps everyone, not just those who are unwell or have cognitive loss. Not only did I listen to music while carrying my children, but I also did the same before naps and bedtime to promote restful, deep sleep. When my children were small and needed a "time-out" from the chaos of life, even their minor problems, it was my go-to. A stressed-out brain may be rewired by music and sound, and one of my personal favorites is the power to spark an amazing creative streak. Many authors try their best.

MUSICAL FITNESS

Instead of picking up your phone first thing in the morning to check emails and texts, stream a meditation music for 15 minutes as you get ready for the day. Your preferred streaming app has a ton of free meditation music playlists accessible. Your brain will start the day bright and prepared to handle everything that comes your way thanks to the intriguing noises and frequencies. Anyone can squeeze in 15 minutes, but it goes rather rapidly and I have a suspicion you'll chose to listen for longer. There are no justifications.

TIME FOR MUSIC

Schedule in your calendar periodic mid-afternoon breaks to listen to soothing and anti-anxiety music because this is when tension from the demands of wo

ou start to feel stressed out from the day. You might be able to avoid going over your stress threshold by just 10 minutes.

HIT PLAY

Visiting a loved one who has dementia or an elderly person who lives alone who is lonely? Play some tunes that will cause the two of you to dance to the beat of the music. If belly laughs and dance motions start happening, don't be shocked. Long after the last note, music continues to give the brain that long-lasting pleasure.

DINNER BELL

Set a mellow tone for supper by playing some soothing music to maintain harmony at the table. We can all be a little grumpy when we sit

 down to eat, but I've discovered that a good dose of classical music calms the grumpy diner. We are more likely to have meaningful conversations and be able to share our hectic days with one another when we are less stressed.

CLASSICAL MUSIC: THE SUPER HERO

There is a super hero among the genres, even though all music is good for you. Dopamine is released by classical music, which increases enjoyment. The release of stress hormones is likewise inhibited by dopamine. The clarity of thought that comes with enhanced mood makes things like studying and late-night writing much more fun. It has been demonstrated that listening to classical music before bed is very beneficial at calming our thoughts and enabling the brain to shut down for the night. And we are all aware of how crucial sleep is to our wellbeing! Here's to healthy aging.