Have you had your Music Break today?
Recently as I spent my morning working on my online marketing business, I was feeling a little stressed. I had been diligently working for three straight hours, thinking “Oh my I have so much I want to accomplish today.”
I had a lot to catch up on because I spent a week at Duke Hospital with my husband, who was being evaluated for a lung transplant. It was a hectic week filled with doctors’ appointments, and to top it off, I had some computer issues. But amidst the stress, I discovered something positive: my goal in life is to help others on their health and wellness journeys.
This morning, as I was catching up on my online business education and listening to my mentor, Dean Holland, my ears started to hurt. My iPhone earbuds just aren’t that comfortable. I really need to get a more comfortable pair!
That’s when I decided to grab my over-the-ear headphones, which I usually only use on airplanes. I thought, “Why not put on some music and see if these still work?” I was pleasantly surprised to find they still had a charge and worked just fine!
I turned on some music and wouldn’t you know it a GREAT song started playing.
I just HAD to get up and dance, and I did for 20 straight minutes, dancing like nobody was watching. It felt Amazing! All the stress, anxiety, and worry melted away. I had forgotten how much music really soothes and heals the soul.
Research backs this up. Using music to soothe the soul is a strategy that’s supported by science, with studies showing that listening to songs can reduce your heart rate, blood pressure, and anxiety, and distract your body from pain. Singing can release oxytocin, also known as “the cuddle hormone,” and dopamine, which helps control the brain’s reward and pleasure centers.
Afterward, I felt like I could take on the world! I was ready to tackle several more hours of work on my business before starting my day job.
I realized something I had forgotten: music can be everything—energetic, soothing, relaxing, and uplifting. I’m going to make it a point to get up and dance daily because I want to keep feeling this good!
Have you taken your Music Break today? How do you release stress and what do you do to relax and reset? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear from you!
Till next time.
Sherri
You can visit my previous post here.
Yes!!! Music and dancing have been used in somatic therapy techniques and have a lot of science to back up its health and wellness effects. I am with you feeling stressed out in some music and shake it off!!! Sending you lots of love for your husband hope he heals quickly after transplant 🙏🙏🙏
Alison,
Thank you for your comment and thanks for the love. It is much appreciated. Since writing this blog I have continued to dance every day and I can certainly tell a difference in my attitude.
Sherri
This is great! I need to try this. I think taking a break in general and doing something to break the monotony is always good. Your brain needs to rest like your body, and using a different part of the brain to concentrate on something else can recharge the other parts of your brain so you can keep on going. Music is just one thing. There’s also meditation, exercise, and watching funny movies or TV shows; once you distract your brain, returning to what you were doing is like starting fresh again, and you can be much more productive. This is a great reminder… thank you Sherri!
Vanessa,
Thank you for your comment. Yes, taking that little bit of a break can certainly recharge your batteries. I have not tried meditation but would like to as I hear wonderful things about it. I do love a good comedy show. I agree a good laugh can distract the brain and afterwards get a fresh start.
Sherri
Hi, Sherri! I love to have music playing – especially in the morning! It’s a get-up-and-go kind of thing. It sets the mood for the day and adds an element of play. It adds a bit of joy while putting the dishes away and making tea. I recently put together a playlist for a barbecue. It’s awesome! I wish you and your husband the best as you face health challenges. Our thoughts are with you.
Nakina
Nakina,
Thank you for your comment. You have given me a great idea with listening to music first thing in the morning. I usually wait till the afternoon when I am tired and stressed. I am excited to listen to music in the morning as I think it will help set up the day on a positive note. Thank you!
Sherri
I do hope that your husband is approved for the transplant and can get back to leading a normal, pain free life. My best wishes go to you also. It’s so good that you rediscovered the benefits of music to help you relieve the stresses. As well as listening to music, (not so much from the dancing aspect), I get my relief from singing with a community choir and playing the piano. I practice every other day and time just flies by when I’m playing.
Andy,
Thank you for your comment and your well wishes. I do appreciate them. I love that you get relief from singing with a choir and playing the piano. Music is all around us and we must enjoy it as is sooths the soul.
Sherri
First let me say that you and your husband are in my prayers and will continue to be.
I agree that Music is a great way to release stress and to change your mood. When I start singing, it changes everyones attitude in the room…🤣(I soon find myself alone!) but I now know the trick to doing away with the distractions… Since I have been spending more time with Harper, I know many of the childrens songs and catch myself even singing them during work hours at my other jobs…
David,
Thank you for the comment. Ha-ha, if singing gets rid of your distractions (aka gets you alone), I say go for it. I love that you sing some of the children’s songs at work, as singing can be a stress reliever also.
Sherri
Hi Sherri,
Thank you for sharing your experience! It’s incredible how something as simple as music can make such a big difference in our mood and stress levels. Your story is a great reminder of the power of taking a break and doing something joyful, like dancing.
I’m sorry to hear about the stressful week at the hospital with your husband, but it’s wonderful to see how you turned things around with some music and dancing. It’s inspiring to hear that you’re so committed to helping others. I hope the best for your husband’s transplant and that everything goes well.
I also find that taking a break to listen to music or go for a walk can really help reset my mind and reduce stress. I haven’t tried dancing like nobody’s watching in a while, but your post has motivated me to give it a try!
Thank you again for this uplifting post. I’ll definitely be incorporating more music breaks into my day. Keep dancing and keep inspiring us all!
Meredith
Meredith,
Thanks for your comment and kind words. I am taking one day at a time as there will be good days and bad days. But I will always find time to listen to upbeat music and dance. Such a great feeling. Try it, you will LOVE it.
Sherri
Your post really hit home for me. Balancing everything sounds intense, but your positive vibe is inspiring. Dancing it out is such a great idea—music really does wonders, doesn’t it? I’m definitely going to try a music break next time I’m stressed.
Hope everything goes well with your husband’s health. Sending good vibes your way!
Keep sharing your journey; it’s super motivating!
Sarah,
Thank you for your comment and your good vibes. We are taking every day one at a time. I am going to continue to get up and dance every day. You should definitely try it!
Sherri
Hi Sherri,
Growing up in the 70’s and 80’s has given us some of the best music you can ever listen to! (at least, that’s what I think! LOL)
Honestly though, I can’t think of a better thing to do to stretch out and remove a pretty good chunk of stress from your body than by dancing! Raise the volume and dance like there’s no-one watching!
All the best!
Marc,
I totally agree with you, the best music is the 70’s & 80’s music. That is so my time. I will continue to listen and “dance like know one is watching.”
Sherri
Hi Sherri it is true that music soothes the savage beast! I always enjoy listening to music while working on my online business, it helps me stay focused except for when a great song comes on and I have to stop and pay it homage, just like your 20 minutes of dancing. Hang tuff with all the struggles you and your husband are going through and keep dancing!
Ken,
Thank you for the comment. Glad to hear you are enjoying music while working on your business. I will continue to stay tuff throughout our struggles as I know we Can get through this.
Sherri
Hi Sherri – I completely relate! Sometimes all we need is a nice break and music is often great to provide a necessary distraction to help us get through some of those tough or challenging times. Music is an art and a gift for us to not only enjoy but to experience. I love putting on my headphones and listening to my playlist or oftentimes just letting an online platform choose music for me to listen to. After a while, things don’t seem so bad and the distraction is just what I need to get moving again. Thanks for the reminder and validation of what I feel!
Ernie,
It was such a nice break and a great distraction to all that is happening in my life. I am setting aside 15 min every day to do this, and you know what? I have a better outlook on life and a renewed sense of vision for my business. I’m glad to hear you are enjoying your music time also.
Sherri
Indeed music can be a great way to l highr to motivate. Novelists use music to dive themselves into the mood of their action. Similarly, while writing a blog post, music can really help to relax and get inspired. It’s been a long time since I did this. Your post reminds me to do it more often.
Thank you Sherri
Martin
Hi Sherri,
Great post! So glad you had that experience and had music revitalize you!
I should include that more. I’m not big into dancing but I love classic rock but don’t listen to it enough.
I kind of just settle for what’s on the radio when I drive around town.
Believe it or not I sometimes get a boost by taking a break and watching some classic sitcoms, Carol Burnett, All in the Family, The Jefferson’s, Welcome Back Kotter, Good Times (Jimmie Walker), The Honeymooners, Abbott & Costello, Laurel & Hardy… It does something other sitcoms can’t do. We do whatever helps us 🙂 Cheers!
Denny
I listen to so many podcasts I usually don’t take the time to listen to music. Most of the podcasts I listen to are just for fun, but still, I know it’s good for me to listen to music, and I do love music. Lately, I’ve been taking time to listen to music when I water my garden. It does make for a nice relaxing break.