How are you feeling these days? I’ll be honest – the unpredictable weather, this sixth (?) wave of the pandemic, and the world quickly opening up and returning to in-person events with somewhat convoluted guidelines (or not) to navigate – has me drained and my energy zapped. I don’t think I’m alone on this one!
Oh…and the decision fatigue. The decision fatigue is real.
My calendar over the next few months has exploded and each event has its own set of rules and restrictions to understand and process. I’m sure you can relate.
These are all really great and exciting things, but a bit overwhelming and a slight shock to the nervous system.
To keep positive and to boost my energy, I’ve turned to music. I’ve adjusted my playlist to include only uplifting and energizing melodies. (Adele, your 30 album will need to wait. Sorry.)
Research has shown that music can have a significant impact on our mood, stress levels, and overall health. Here are four (of the nine) benefits of music outlined by North Shore University Health System:
- Listening to music elevates mood by increasing dopamine production, which helps to relieve our stress and anxiety. Music is processed directly by the amygdala – the part of the brain that defines and regulates our emotions and mood.
- Music helps to reduce stress. Listening to music has been shown to reduce cortisol levels (stress hormone) in the bloodstream.
- Listening to music is good for your heart. I find this one quite fascinating. According to research, ”blood flows more easily when music is played”. Music can reduce your heart rate, lower blood pressure, decrease cortisol levels, and increase serotonin and endorphin levels in the blood.
- Music can alleviate symptoms of depression. Listening to music can provide a “pick me up” when feeling low.
Music has a powerful influence over us!
Each member of my household has a unique taste in music (as we should). So to keep this fun and to give you a little insight into our family dynamic, I will share with you the top 5 songs on our individual playlists at the moment.
I’ll go first….
Andrea’s Playlist.
- Waters of March sung by Jane Monheit
- Bring Me Little Water Sylvie, arr. Moira Smiley
- Better When I’m Dancin’ sung by Meghan Trainor
- Blue Skies sung by Ella Fitzgerald (Everyone needs a little Ella in their lives!)
- The Girl in 14G sung by Kristin Chenoweth
Vera’s Playlist. Vera has a very eclectic taste for a 5 year old. Here we go….
- The Family Madrigal from Disney’s Encanto
- Find Your Inner Ghoul from Disney Junior’s Vampirina
- The Wheels on the Bus by Colin Skinner
- Party in the U.S.A by Miley Cyrus
- Heave Away by The Fables (Everyone loves a good ol’ East Coast kitchen party!)
BJ’s Playlist.
- Amarillo by Morning by George Strait
- Hasn’t Hit Me Yet by Blue Rodeo
- She Talks to Angels by The Black Crowes
- Bully Boys by Alan Doyle
- Dust in a Baggie by Billy Strings
Spruce up your playlist this week to include some uplifting and inspiring tunes! We could all use a little mood boost these days.
I have noticed lately that if I listen to the news while driving in the car, it gets me down. When I listen to music and sing along, my day gets a whole lot better. Give it a try!
Do you know what else has great energy, boosts your mood, and is always a fun time? Our summer camps! Summer camp is guaranteed to be a blast. We have extended our early registration deadline to April 30th, so be sure to check out our summer camp programs here. Reserve your spot today as each camp is limited to 10 campers. Outstanding arts education from arts experts, individualized programming, and lots of summer fun with friends. Don’t miss it!
Get that music pumping. Happy Monday!
Xo
Andrea “turn up the volume’ Donais
Sources:
https://www.northshore.org/
https://www.healthline.com/