September 30, 2012

Good Housekeeping ran an article in their August issue that described the health benefits of listening to certain types of music. The article, “3 Health Benefits of Your Favorite Song,” quotes Joke Bradt, PhD, a board-certified music therapist and an associate professor in the Creative Arts Therapies Department. “Music does more than provide a distraction,” Bradt said, “and is first processed in the brain’s medulla, which controls basic functions like breathing and heart rate. That may explain the blood pressure and cardio payoffs.” The article provides tips on how to “get the most from your listening,” including choosing favorite types of music, paying strict attention to the music as you listen to it, and selecting the right sound system for delivery. Bradt added, “Both headphones and speakers will work, but if you’re worried you won’t hear the phone, playing music through speakers will be more relaxing.”