Music Matters

By: Kate M. Serrano

Perhaps Bob Marley was right when he said "One good thing about music, is when it hits you, you feel no pain." Studies suggest that music not only helps us cope with pain — it can also benefit our physical and mental health in numerous other ways. Anyone who has ever wiped tears away from their eyes listening to a relatable sad song will know how powerful simple notes and chords can be.

Everyone reacts to music in different ways. One individual may love heavy metal while others find pleasure listening to Mozart. Whatever the preference may be, studies have shown that plugging in to your favourite music could help melt away a bad mood. Music triggers the release of dopamine, the feel-good chemical in the brain.

If you’re into running, music helps you pick up your pace and run faster. A study at Brunel University in West London has shown that music can help increase endurance by as much as 15 per cent, helping to lower the perception of effort during exercise, as well as increasing energy efficiency by between one and three per cent. Again, this is so because of the release of endorphins— our natural 'feel good' hormones that lift our mood and give us motivation to carry on longer with exercise. Focusing on your favorite album may not let you notice you just ran an extra mile.

For many people suffering from memory loss the spoken language has become meaningless. Music can act as an outlet for expressing things that they are unable to put into words. It awakens memory and can help patients remember tunes or songs and get in touch with their history. Music can be a great pick-me-up when you are feeling stressed too. Tuning in to your favourite songs can be incredibly soothing and help to reduce anxiety.

Social Circles

By: Kate M. Serrano 

Exercise, a balanced diet, getting enough rest and sleep are the most common secrets of living a good life. But in a recent study a new addition to the “long life” list exists: make more friends. The study reports that 22% of those with a large network of friends are less likely to die early. Friends have a positive impact on stress level and brain health. This translates to a healthier immune system and a happier disposition. 

As we age, making friends is not as easy – there are no adult playgrounds to go to or a sandbox to play in. By adulthood, most of us spend time working or doing more useful matters and we encounter fewer situations that are conducive to friendship formation. The study suggests to meet new people by trying new activities that interest you. You may want to try pilates and sign up for a pilates class or join an explorer’s club trek a nearby river. In these social circles you find acquaintances you can open up to and eventually become friends. The key is to reveal something of yourself for the relationship to get to the next level, just like dating.

However while making new friends, don’t forget the ones who have been there all along. It may be difficult to maintain friendship over the natural transitions of life. People come and go, move to places or find new jobs. It’s important to keep in touch and connect – make a phone call, update through social media like Facebook, Twitter or video call via Skype! And if you’re not connecting, bring it up, because they're probably feeling the same way.

Life can be difficult. It’s important to make room for people who are supportive and caring, they benefit your long-term health.

Stresbusters

By: Kate Serrano

Man is adaptive by nature. We can live under any climate, temperature or circumstance and still survive. One of the factors that man is adaptive to is stress. Stress is nothing more than a force of nature that affects an individual. It may be external – getting all stressed out at work, relationships, home, or even a confrontation. It may also be internal – the amount of sleep or rest you get, emotional wellbeing or fitness status. Stress is a normal part of life. It can either help us grow or cause significant problems but for the most part, we view its more negative side. The most common way to manage stress is through exercise. It helps avoid prolonged stress by turning down the production of its hormones and neurochemicals. It’s an antidepressant at the same time. If you’re stuck with long hours at work, it is therefore important to take breaks – take a lunch break and not talk about work! Or take walk instead of a coffee break. You can use the weekends to relax, and not schedule so many activities that will tire you when Monday morning comes. Exercise nowadays may not be limited to the more physical activities. Meditation and other forms of relaxation techniques also have lasting effects on health. This is the reason why more and more people are signed up to yoga, pilates and the likes.       

So what is so bad about stress? Nothing, it’s more on how you manage it. By preparing yourself, you can turn stress into a positive force of growth and change.