Like many people I’ve always loved the music from Gap ads. They are instant mood enhancers. Why not curate your own musical playlists to improve your mood? We could all use a boost of motivation.
Musical Benefits
All the brain research shows that music is good for brain health and increases neural pathways, which keeps your brain healthy and cognitive functioning strong. Music helps us to regulate our moods and improves our emotional states, which seems necessary in the times we are living in. Listening to music makes us plain happier.
Your Musical Playlist
When I think of working out, music is the first form of motivation whether in a class or at the gym. When I hear the beginning of the Rocky theme song, I immediately want to move.
- Make a list of activities in which a musical playlist would enhance the activity. For example, you may need one for exercising, relaxing, and energizing.
- What type of music do you like and who are your favorite artists?
- Use spotify and youtube for research.
- If you need tech support, ask a younger colleague or family member for help.
- In the beginning, I would forget to use music but now, I find that music helps me focus at work so I have channels marked for quiet focus and concentration
Try Music in New Settings/Find New Music
Maybe you can listen to music while enjoying a meal or try listening to new music once a week to broaden your musical palette. Listen to music in a different settings. For example, I was surprised that I enjoyed hip hop during a challenging yoga class. My physical therapists always have great music to do strengthening exercises. Notice the music in coffee shops and see how you feel.
Dig Out Your Old Instrument
To further the benefits of music, maybe you can join a band or orchestra. You have muscle memory, so it won’t take as long as you might think. As someone who stopped playing her violin for 20 years and returned, I understand how humbling it can be, but it has been such a great source of joy and reminds me of some of my happiest memories from school.
I appreciate music more now, but there was a time when I stopped listening to music for pleasure due to my stressful life. If all else fails and you don’t have time or motivation to create a playlist, borrow from friends and family.
