How to Reduce Your Stress with Music Medicine
It’s really hard to make decisions when you’re stressed out and in survival mode.
When we’re focused on surviving and our root chakra/Maslow’s hierarchy safety needs are not met, it’s really hard to think about anything other than what is most immediate and urgent.
It’s especially challenging when you have a highly reactive nervous system (like me).
Living in survival mode for an extended period can actually create a cycle of fight or flight that leaves us feeling stuck, and it makes it even harder to envision the big picture of what we need to do in order to change our lives, and to have the energy and clarity to make choices towards that.
When we’re stressed out and overwhelmed, it can be tempting to keep trying to bash away at the to do list or frantically try to figure out what to do next (been there).
When you’re feeling this way, it can be really beneficial to take time out as much as possible to focus on calming your nervous system.
Music and sound medicine can be so very helpful!
Here are some really effective ways to soothe your nervous system and increase your brain function and decision-making capacity:
* take several slow, deep breaths, for a few minutes or moments throughout the day
* walk mindfully in nature, paying attention to what you experience through your five senses
* just be for awhile, e.g., sitting still and staring out the window
* journal about your thoughts and feelings, dreams and desires
* dance just for how good it feels, without trying to impress anybody (Instant mood shifter and happiness generator)
* chant or sing without judgment or expectation (This is my specialty; I can help if you want some support and guidance!)
* do some drumming (possibly humanity’s most ancient healing art)
* attend sound healing experiences in person or online (I can also help with these!)
* watch ASMR videos on YouTube (I find reiki/hand movements and specific sounds particularly effective and I’m happy to recommend some great channels)
All of these become more effective with practice as your brain gets used to slowing down and your nervous system becomes more adept at dispersing adrenaline and sending out calming hormones instead.
I use all of these practices regularly, some of them every day, and they’ve helped me to reduce my stress levels and change my lifestyle to be healthier, more sustainable and in closer alignment with my soul’s expression and purpose.
Calming your nervous system in enjoyable ways helps you to see more clearly what needs to be done, not only for your survival in the present moment, but for your long-term ability to thrive.
Take good care of yourself, dear creative soul. You are worthy of happiness, joy, love and inner peace, just as you are. You don’t need to do anything to deserve it.
Put the to do list aside for awhile and just breathe, dance, sing. It makes all the difference.
(Photo by David Spidel.)
