by Melissa Jerez

Created on: April 07, 2009   Last Updated: June 29, 2009

Life can cause many struggles and continuous stress if people can't find a way to vent or deal. Some people deal with stress by winding down, while others deal with stress by taking a walk or reading a book. Sometimes, stress can lead people into doing harmful things such as harming themselves or other people. The fact of the matter is that often times when stress isn't dealt with, it can become hazardous. One of the most inventive and interesting therapeutic methods of dealing with stress is through music therapy.

According to the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA), music therapy is "an established health-care profession that uses music to address physical, emotional, cognitive and social needs of individuals of all ages" (musictherapy.org) Music has been effective for those who dealt with stress calm and wind down. It makes sense as to why. Music can create a calming effect, especially classical music. Some people have even used music devices to help them sleep, because the tone and rhythm of the sounds are smooth and gentle, helping the user sleep better.

Not only does music help calm the mind, it also helps soothe the soul. Songs that portray everyday struggles and hardships connect better with people who are dealing with those very same types of issues. They listen to the song, connect with it, and the song helps them deal with their stress just by listening. Many fans of bands often write letters to the band saying how their songs have helped them deal with a troubled time in their lives. There are some whom react differently with triggered lyrical music, but for most of the time it does more good than it does harm. Some therapists might even suggest their patients to write a song about their feelings, in hopes of scratching through the surface and make a breakthrough. It works because the person uses all their bottled-up emotions to not only create an outlet for their pain, but to see it right before their eyes. Once it's seen, the person might be able to express themselves better, and find the root of their diagnosis.

You don't have to be a patient in a hospital to incorporate this kind of musical therapy for yourself. It could be beneficial for many people if they took some time during their stressful and busy life to sit down or walk around listening to music. One of the greatest inventions of our time is the iPod, which is a music player that can be carried around with you. You can take your iPod to work or take a walk while listening to your iPod whenever you're feeling stressed or bummed out. By doing this, you're not only creating a more calmer environment, but you're doing your body a load of good.

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