by Christine Hayden

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

Nothing manmade, invented nor devised has ever remotely come close to having the abiliy to delve into the recesses of neither the most wretched soul or the most sainted soul and bring them to their knees, drive them to tears or lift them to the heights of euphoria ....nothing except Music. Music is almost as old as man itself and if you consider its possible origins, that of being derived from birdsong and the communication between animals, it may be even older then man.

Music has become an integral part of our everyday lives and research has proven it's inumerable benefits to our health and well-being. Studies have shown a signifigant correlation between music and the effects it has on our physiological state. By measuring brain waves, heart rate and breathing, blood pressure, muscle tension, stress and depression, compelling evidence has been found to suggest that music has a profound affect on us in every possible dimension.

Music that has a strong, upbeat tempo seems to correlate with sharper thinking and concentration. It can even have lasting effects after we have stopped listening as it helps our brains to shift from one task or thought to another more easily.

When we listen to quieter, calm music it helps us to relax as it slows our heart rate and breathing and provides us with a relaxation response. Those who are in a chronic stress situation may have possible health risks associated with their stress. The body naturally responds to quiescent and tranquil harmonies resulting in relief of tension, headaches, lowering of blood pressure and often produces a more positive and optimistic state of mind. It can even help to boost our immune systems to help fight off illness.

Routinely incorporating music into our everyday lives is no different than eating well and exercising to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Many people drift off at night to the soft sounds of music or listen to sound machines that play nature's symphonies such as rainfall, animal calls, waterfalls and many different types of animal sounds.

During the day we may listen to high-tempo music on our ipods or MP3 players as we jog or walk or lift weights, helping us to maintain an even stride and propel us through what could be an otherwise mundane task. Classes such as aerobics and step also incorporate upbeat music for the same purpose.

While driving, research has shown that we subconsciously drive in accordance with the music we hear. Aggressive and loud music correlates to driving in an aggressive manner. It has been found that listening to classical music while driving promotes a much calmer and safer journey. It also has shown students perform much better with their studies in math, algebra and physics. "This is know as the Mozart effect."

Work productivity seems to be at it's best when light, easy beat type melodies are playing. This type of music seems to help with focus and memorization.

It is obvious that music has and is an incredibly powerful phenomena for humankind. It's effectiveness in relation to the mind, body and spirit has proved itself throughout the ages. Music is the one thing that the entire world can use to communicate, regardless of the language it is born from. It truly has become our universal language.

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