How Does Music Contribute to a Healthy Lifestyle

Health Tips

By Shean Bedi

Yesterday, I read a very interesting study article about summer camps. The camp manager says that they use music to set the mood for activities around the camp. For example, if they are playing a game, they use loud, lively, and danceable music. For meal times, they use soft ballads or slow music that relaxes the mind. According to the camp manager, slow music somehow makes the campers chew their food more and not gulp it down in a New York minute.

How does this story relate to a healthy lifestyle? The story goes to show that we can use music to set the mood for everything we do. For one, it would help that you listen to danceable tunes when you’re exercising. When I am jogging or running, I make sure that I have my iPod shuffle with me and I’ve got the latest club mixes on play.

During dinner time, romantic music would set the mood for an enjoyable, unhurried dinner. This is perhaps the reason why most fine dining restaurants I’ve been to play instrumental versions of classic love songs. The calming effect prepares the digestive system for the task of processing the food and gets the patrons to linger.

At night time, when you need to sleep, listening to classical music would help. This may sound so gay to some people, but listening to Felix Mendelssohn’s Calm Sea and Prosperous Voyage lulls me to sleep. This beats popping a sleeping pill by a million miles.

Now, if you want to relax, then listen to nature music. These are usually recordings of sounds made by birds, trees, wind, and running water. Most day spas use them, especially during massage sessions. I’ve downloaded a few and use it when I try to clear my mind and meditate.

There’s a type of music for every activity. Invest in a good music player and incorporate music into your lifestyle.