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If laughter is the best medicine, then music may be a close second. The notion that music can improve medical conditions such as Alzheimer's and depression has been a topic of close study for the past few decades. Dr. Oliver Sacks explored the effects of music on the human mind in his 2007 book "Musicophilia: Tales of Music and the Brain" and discovered that patients who suffered from Parkinson's disease or Tourette's syndrome experienced less severe symptoms when they were exposed to certain types of music. The Dana Foundation, an organization that studies brain science, published a story in 2002 about a stroke victim whose recovery improved greatly when familiar music with a distinct beat was played during his physical therapy sessions. The man's gait improved, and he even started to instinctively add dance steps while relearning how to walk. In February 2009, the journal Social Science Quarterly reported that children involved in music on some level, including taking musical lessons or attending concerts with their parents, performed better in mathematics and reading.

Based on that kind of research, it's safe to say that the right music has a positive effect on our physical and physiological selves. Music can lift our spirits, awaken and energize us, or soothe us when we're feeling stressed or anxious. It stimulates neurons in the brain and can lower blood pressure. Whether you're into the Beatles or Beethoven, you can put a little music therapy into your daily life. Here are some ideas to get you started:

*Play music softly just after waking, to help you ease into the day.

*Burn a CD or create an i-Pod play list of your favorite pick-me-up tunes. Listen to them whenever you need cheering up.

*Listen to your favorite music while you carry out your household chores. It can help make cleaning and other tasks more fun and seem to get completed faster.

*Play soothing music while you meditate, stretch after a workout, or get ready for bed. It can help you unwind and relax.

*If your employer permits it and you can do so discreetly, listen to music while at work. Depending on the type of music, it can help you stay energized and complete projects as long as it does not distract you. Some students also prefer listening to music while they study.

*The sounds of nature are also music! Simply get outside, preferably away from traffic noise, and listen. Backyard birds such as cardinals, finches, blackbirds, and mockingbirds have very unique and pleasant calls depending on the time of day, so enjoy them. The sound of water as it falls and flows can be very soothing, as well as the rustling of treetops when a gentle wind passes through. During the warmer summer months, with the windows open at night, you may find the outdoor sounds help you fall asleep.

*Make your own music. Learn a musical instrument, or if you've already blessed with a talent, play for the pure enjoyment of it, whether alone in your home or as part of a band.

*Attend a concert or musical performance of your taste when you can. The summer is the perfect time to check out free outdoor concerts in your area and depending on the tunes and the venue, an opportunity to get up and dance along.

Lastly, don't be afraid to sing along with your favorite music - whether in the car or at home - to further enhance the effects of everyday music therapy.

Learn more about this author, Pamela Sosnowski.
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