Music as relaxation to reduce 'stress/anxiety'

                                     There's music in the sighing of reed,

              There's music in the gushing of a rill;  

            There's music in all things, if men had ears:

                                                        Don Juan by George Gordon, Lord Byron

 

Music therapy as suggested by the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) can be used by occupational therapists as part of a comprehensive approach by people to promote their health and participation in life. Relaxation can be a way to help regain energy when feeling emotionally or physically fatigued. Music as relaxation technique may assist with lowering or managing states of depression or anxiety in their occupation, in the pursuit of a meaningful life.

Hanser & Thomson (1994) conducted music therapy research studying teacher stress and burn out. Hanser's work with music and stress-reduction technique suggests that ‘music assists in generating a more relaxed mood and reduces stress'. All persons who have access to portable music devices can participate in these inexpensive practices.

Effects of relaxation include:  

·         less tension in muscles            •clear thinking is enhanced

·         improved concentration            •improvement in memory

                                   self confidence and calming   

   

                   

Reference:
Hanser, S. B., &Thompson, L .W. (1994). Effects of music therapy strategy on depressed older adults.In:Cheek, J., Bradley, L., Parr, G., & Lan, W. (2003). Using music therapy techniques to treat teacher burnout. Journal of Mental Health Counseling 25 (3) 204.

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