New and upcoming releases – Newsletter No.2 – June 2013

I’ll be honest. This post is biased. I love music. Music has done wonders for me. It has helped me get through some of the hardest times in my life. It can do the same for you. Have you tapped into the power of music to help simplify your life? Play music and reduce your stress.

Do you play music? Have you ever thought about playing an instrument? Music is a wonderful hobby. Play music! It helps reduce stress and it can create a lively yet relaxed atmosphere in your home.

Play music to lower stress and add a peaceful vibe to your diggs.

I’m going to give you five reasons I play music. But don’t just take my word for it. First, here are some excerpts and links to articles from around the web that support playing music to reduce stress:

When she needs relief from the grind of delivering major proposals, Dana Marlowe, 33, of Washington, D.C., makes some noise. “I cruise right into my toddler’s playroom, and I just jam out with his toys — the xylophone, the baby piano. I almost have ‘Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star’ down,” says Marlowe, a technology accessibility consultant. –  from WebMD

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Music Therapy as some people refer to it uses music to promote healing and improve one’s overall emotional well-being. This may include listening to music, playing a musical instrument, singing along to music, and using guided imagery with music. Research indicates that music stimulates the production of opiates and endorphins, the “feel good” hormones in our bodies. This stimulation can result in improved blood flow and blood pressure. –

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I think it’s safe to say that for most people, music and stress relief go hand in hand. Whether you play an instrument, sing or just listen to music for enjoyment, music has a way of soothing our souls and helping us feel good. –

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Music can have a profound effect on both the emotions and the body. Faster music can make you feel more alert and concentrate better. Upbeat music can make you feel more optimistic and positive about life. A slower tempo can quiet your mind and relax your muscles, making you feel soothed while releasing the stress of the day. Music is effective for relaxation and stress management. –

When I say, “play music,” that doesn’t mean you have to play an instrument. It could. I play several instruments. I also keep music playing in the background at home in the evenings. I listen to music in the car. It sets the mood. Singing and dancing are optional, but I’d highly recommend doing both.

Five reasons Annie and I play music at home and in the car:

It sets the mood: Whether you want to get pumped up or you’re ready to sleep, music can help. When I’m feeling energetic, I listen to upbeat music. Sometimes when I’m frustrated, I play the drums. My daughter Annie has been falling asleep to soothing music since she was an infant. It soothes the beast: After I play the drums for 20 minutes, my frustration disappears. When Annie is upset, piano practice often gets her back on track. and can both help you to relax and lower your heart rate. They sound pretty cool, too.  It energizes the bunny: Have you ever needed to stay awake? Music can help to keep you going. I’ve been on many road trips. Check the out. Music has saved my life by keeping me awake when driving at night. It can also help get your kids motivated to help with chores around the house.  It builds character: Annie takes piano lessons. She’s also had some fiddle lessons. Practicing and performing help her to learn discipline and confidence. Have your kids play music to .Adults can play too. It’s never too late to play music. It makes you smarter: Scientists have proven that . Music makes you think, even if you’re only a listener. Music can take you to imaginary worlds. That in itself is powerful. Whether you play or listen, music stimulates the creative portion of your brain.

Play music to simplify your life.

How does this all add up to making life more simple? That’s easy:

• Music helps us feel more at ease and that simplifies life.
• Music builds character and intelligence and that simplifies life.
• Music puts our kids to sleep and that simplifies life.
• Music heals and that simplifies life.
• Music makes us feel good and that simplifies life.

I could go on, but I think you get the idea. Play music. It simplifies life and reduces stress. If you’d like more ideas for making your life more simple, get the free book: . You don’t have to sign up for anything. You don’t have to give me your email. Just go get the .

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