IF you\u2019re feeling a little sluggish, playing more music at home could be energising.<\/p>\n
Clinical psychologist and Federation University lecturer, Professor Gerard Kennedy said music stimulates most areas of the brain and heightens positive emotion, because feelgood neurotransmitters are released.<\/p>\n
\u201cMusic acts on the reward centres in the brain, stimulating dopamine releasing neurons, part of the medial forebrain bundle,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cAt times when you listen to certain types of music, you can almost feel pure joy. That might be a great opera singer, whatever takes your fancy, and it tends to make you feel really happy.\u201d<\/p>\n
Those isolating at home, experiencing uncertainty and worry about the future, may take comfort in the fact that music has played a role in the diverse healing practices of cultures worldwide, an in traditional medicine.<\/p>\n
\u201cMusic can improve post-surgery recovery outcomes for people, it\u2019s often used with dementia patients to make them feel good, it can reduce stress and anxiety, and aid your memory,\u201d Professor Kennedy said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt can also help you exercise. When you put on certain types of upbeat music, it makes you feel uplifted, you want to move, get up and dance around.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s very much an individual thing and can be tied to cultural aspects, from Irish music to Zumba dance music, disco to classical, which is said to be good for uplifting the spirit.\u201d<\/p>\n
Holding instrumental playing skills, or a love of singing, can also encourage relaxation.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you sing with a group of people, you can sync your heart and breathing rates with them, which has a calming effect. Even singing to a child can be calming for them, and you.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you\u2019re lucky enough to be able to play an instrument, then there\u2019s additional benefits there. Some brains can do it easier than others, but all of us could learn some basics,\u201d Professor Kennedy said.<\/p>\n
With lots more time around the house, there\u2019s always jobs to be done, and he said music is a driver if you\u2019re struggling to start mundane tasks.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you can occupy your mind with jobs like cleaning the clothes closet, sorting draws, cupboards and bookcases, and you\u2019ve got music on in the background, it can be helpful to make you feel good and move around a bit more.<\/p>\n
\u201cHave your exercise inducing music on to get you going. It\u2019s a great motivator. You can be jumping around while you\u2019re doing your vacuuming,\u201d Professor Kennedy laughed.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
IF you\u2019re feeling a little sluggish, playing more music at home could be energising. Clinical psychologist and Federation University lecturer, Professor Gerard Kennedy said music stimulates most areas of the brain and heightens positive emotion, because feelgood neurotransmitters are released. \u201cMusic acts on the reward centres in the brain, stimulating dopamine releasing neurons, part of […]<\/p>\n