Did you know that this week is International Stress Awareness Week and today is National Stress Awareness Day? Observing National Stress Awareness Day can take on all sorts of forms. From creating an individual action plan to getting involved with raising awareness on a community level, there are many great ways to get involved.

Scholarly studies have shown that music can relieve stress. In fact, the University of Nevada, Reno states, “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.”

The study continued, “Research confirms these personal experiences with music. Current findings indicate that music around 60 beats per minute can cause the brain to synchronize with the beat causing alpha brainwaves (frequencies from 8 - 14 hertz or cycles per second).”

Stress can’t be completely avoided in life today, but its impact can certainly be reduced or minimized. Learning to implement creative ways to reduce stress is a vital part of making the most out of life. Obviously, a doctor should be consulted if medical problems are involved, but The International Stress Management Association suggests that individuals who are simply looking for ways to reduce stress might try some of these activities:

Singing or Listening to Music. Based on studies, listening to music or singing can bring your stress levels down as well as create positive feelings and a clearer mindset.
Deep Breathing Exercises. Many times, the mind simply needs a timeout to get recentered and calm down. Deep Breathing is a great way to regain focus and get reenergized, even for just a couple of minutes in the middle of a workday.
Regular Exercise. One excellent way to keep stress at bay is to keep the body moving. Running, walking, bicycling, or movement activities like yoga can all be incorporated into an anti-stress lifestyle.
Reduce Caffeine. A healthier diet can be a huge stress-buster, and caffeine can be a significant culprit for creating anxiety. Limit the caffeine to one small serving a day to gain a noticeable difference in the amount of stress put on the body and the adrenal system.
Journal or Talk About Feelings. One way to cope with stress is to tell a friend or therapist about difficult things in life. Don’t have one? No worries! Journaling can sometimes be just as therapeutic as a listening ear.

So this is where MenAlive comes into play. While we can’t completely get rid of stress, we do have ways to help reduce it thankfully.

Join MenAlive to Sing. We produce three concerts each year and generally rehearse on Tuesday evenings. Find out more details.
Volunteer with HeartsAlive. Maybe singing isn’t for you, but perhaps volunteering is? Our volunteer group, HeartsAlive, arranges opportunities to assist with the chorus as well as our surrounding community. Learn more about HeartsAlive.
Attend a Concert. Come and listen to our voices and let your stress melt away at one of our exciting concerts throughout the year. Tickets and season subscriptions now on sale.

Through and through, we all need ways to reduce our stress and we just happen to think that music is a great way to do just that.