The Anxiety Meditation 
Anxiety is a nerve disorder that is increasingly present in our society and it causes fear, nervousness and even sometimes, in its extreme version, panic. Anxiety is a normal sensation when we are worried or anxious, but it can become chronic. Indeed, when one is anxious, one feels a feeling of insecurity, an apprehension, even of the terror caused by a situation or a decision to take. At one point in our lives or the other, we have an overwhelming feeling of anxiety but this differs from one person to another. While some people are naturally apprehensive which might be as a result of poor upbringing others might display some traits of social awkwardness, meeting new people or speaking at a public gathering. Anxiety manifests itself in different ways. In its light form there is a constant feeling of being uncomfortable especially around strangers but then, one can feel agitated, nervous, angry, a rise in pulse acceleration, feeling of suffocation, fear of heights in its average form.
In its extreme form anxiety can leads to loss of sense of self, loss of control, paralysis Impression of unreality, feeling of strangeness but like any other problem, there is a solution but this time around, from an unpopular discovery. We can relate to some of these examples and not until recently I have an overwhelming fear of meeting new people. However, the fear is gradually fading thanks to my new discovery—music therapy.
Music and Anxiety Management
Perhaps you have been looking for a justification for your music addiction, look no further. Recent research by the University of Michigan has shown that music played a huge role in treating anxiety and other mental disorder. Listening to music you enjoy has positive effects on your mood especially if you are one that easily gives in to mood swings. Apart from this, music enhance coping and relaxation skills improved communication skills and increased efficiency in conflict resolution. If you find yourself feeling constantly anxious, what you need might not be a doctor but a simple approach called music therapy.
Music therapy as a form of expressive therapy involves a large variety of music-related activities, such as singing, improvising, moving, playing musical instruments, and listening to music. Music therapy is known having a positive physical, social, and psychological effects. Different types of music are employed for a variety of reasons for music therapy. For example, hip hop music may not be appealing and subsequently lead to discomfort for some and is thought to help increase one’s ability to tolerate pain while it may not be so for others.
Although music therapists are trained professionals, you do not need a music therapist to enjoy music or use music to relieve yourself of stress and anxiety. All you need is a playlist that conforms to the kind of music you like and enjoy.
Personally, 80% of the time when I am stressed out and anxiety takes its toll on me, music without lyrics (Enya, Classical, e.tc ) help nourished my mind back and put me in the right frame of mind to function.
Benefits of Music in Curing Anxiety
Music offers a lot of benefits when it comes to the treatment of anxiety and other psychic disorders. Apart from the mental boost it offers us, studies carried out by the American Music Therapy Association shows that music therapy offers an allay of benefits which include;
- Reduced muscle tension
- Enhanced interpersonal relationships
- Increased self-esteem
- Increase motivation
In this age and time when we are constantly busy and have little time for ourselves, if you want your mind and body to keep functioning effectively, you have got to learn how to give it rest. Take some time and listen to soul enhancing music and you would be shocked by how efficient and happier you will become.
