Our readers often report that when they sit down to plan the future, either individually or with a partner or spouse, they find their anxiety level climb. The future can be intimidating and appear uncertain even with calm, careful planning. But nevertheless planning is a key ingredient that leads to self-actualizing a future that is fulfilling and sustaining. There is a secret to making planning less anxiety producing. It is called MUSIC. That's right, listening to music while planning can reduce stress, improve focus, and make it a more enjoyable experience. A recent article by reporter, Elizabeth Landau, CNN, highlights a study showed that patients who were to undergo surgery and listened to music reported being calmer than patients who were prescribed anti-anxiety drugs. If other studies continue to confirm these findings, it will have a profound effect on how we medicate in the future. A doctor's prescription for anxiety may eventually read: Beethoven 2X a day, or Jimmy Buffett, as needed. It may also mean a huge savings in prescription drug costs.
Whether it's chanting, Willy Nelson, Josh Groban, or Yo Yo Ma, you choose what's best for you. Many of the people we have spoken with about music and anxiety report that Mozart is the best antidote. Now listening is made even easier with Pandora. You can set up your own favorites list and every time you sit down to plan, you can become calmer. Now that's a symphony we can all REWIRE to!
