Authored by Dr. Deborah Simmons

Have you ever thought about how powerful music is for your mind and body?  Listen to a favorite song that you love and notice how your body feels.  Does it make you want to move? Or does it help you to calm down? Does it remind you of someone you love?

When I hear the first notes of The Beatles' song "Eight Days a Week," I cannot help but think about the first time I heard it.  Instantly I become the joyful 8 year old I was in that moment.  I was in my aunt and uncle's kitchen and that song came on the radio for the first time.  To this day my chest fills with love.  I must close my eyes to savor every note.  I cannot help but dance.  It puts a big smile on my face every single time. 

Sometimes music links you instantly to a difficult situation in your life. How many times has a song moved you to tears, reminding you of a relationship break up?  It can be years before that song is back on the playlist of your life.   And sometimes music can feel like an itchy sweater.  Put me in a room with certain kinds of music and my whole body begins to hurt.  The fight or flight response can be that strong. 

An article on www.noiseaddicts.com drew my attention to the powerful effect of music on our health.  Called "Joyful Music May Promote Heart Health" (November 16, 2008) the article reported on a study Dr. Michael Miller, director of preventive cardiology at the University of Maryland Medical Center.  Study participants were allowed to select music that made them feel good or joyful.  Dr. Miller and his team found a healthy response that matches the response found by an earlier study by Miller on laughter.

The music caused tissue in the inner lining of blood vessels to expand, increasing blood flow. Conversely, listening to music that was perceived as stressful or anxiety-provoking caused their blood vessels to narrow, reducing blood flow.

The next time you listen to a song you like, consider the emotions that you are feeling.   Sing out loud and wiggle with joy.  You are doing great stuff for your body and your mind.