Let Music Drive You

By Michelle Liew Tsui-Lin

Falling in step with your favorite tune is not out of the ordinary. Picture yourself tapping those toes rhythmically as you complete an arduous task, or drowned in a sea of music as you run on a treadmill.

You do it automatically, without hesitation. The self-regulating actions are inexplicable.

They seem without reason, but they do show that music is intense. Its force drives you in all your actions.

Why, and how, does music motivate us? How do we use it to bring out the best in ourselves?

Our favorite tunes do, in countless ways. But what is music's "X" factor?

1) It changes your perception.

Just listening to the radio turns a dull morning into a bearable part of the day. It fills a void and energizes us.

A workday isn't backbreaking with the help of a little music. A daily exercise routine becomes more tolerable.

2) It distracts positively.

Music is a positive distraction. It takes our minds off the unpleasantness of life. It occupies our minds and prevents unhealthy thoughts and emotions from filling it up.

3.Music releases Serotonin.

Studies show that listening to music releases Serotonin. Serotonin is the chemical that fosters a joyful, motivated spirit.

Compare it to emotional comfort food, except that this chemical is healthy and piques our senses.
4) Music connects us with ourselves.

Music reveals who we are. It reflects our individuality. Our tastes in music show others a true part of ourselves.

Listening to music allows us to touch base with our passions.

5) Music is fun.

Music signals that the time has come to de-stress and take a little time off our busy schedules. Hearing our favorite tune breaks us from the humdrum of life.

1. Music takes us to new heights.

A study by Dr. Carl Foster proves that music pushes you beyond yourself. It allows you to enjoy exercise and its rigorous challenges.

A jog is less exhausting with a pair of headphones in your ears. Scientists want to uncover more about music’s ability to distract an exerciser from tiredness or discomfort.

2. Patients take their minds off their suffering.

When someone plays music to those who are terminally ill, it eases their perception of distress.

3. Music moves you.

Music has the uncanny ability to mobilize you. Think of the times your toes have tapped when you heard your favorite songs, without your awareness.

Studies are ongoing. Researchers like Carl Foster and his team are attempting to explain why we move with synchronous sounds, such as those of charming tunes.

1) Listen to it as you work.

Provided you lower the volume, listening to music at work raises productivity. It lowers stress levels and the volume of work you produce increases.

I can attest to this straightaway. As I write, I’m tuned into a popular easy listening channel and the ideas continue to flow.

2) Housework is no longer mundane.

Music transforms housework from being a chore to a pleasant task. Find yourself scrubbing dishes with speed.

Draping laundry on a clothesline is not so tedious with music playing in the background. It draws us away from the routine nature of the activity.

3) Write a simple tune for a child.

A jingle composed by a parent is meaningful to a child. There’s no need to emulate Paul McCartney. Simple two-line ditties linger in a child’s consciousness longer than a lengthy tune does.

4) Listen to music as you run on the treadmill.

You’re guaranteed to set the treadmill to a higher speed when music is on. Choose tunes that energize and not lull, or the effect will be the opposite.

5) Play your mother's favorite song this Mother's Day.

A mother seldom craves the absolutely expensive as a tribute. The key to her heart lies in simplicity.

Present her with a disc of tunes she used to listen to, but are now a memory. That touches her heart and gratifies her more than dinner at a fancy restaurant would.

6) Play a song to lift yourself.

Calming music takes you right out of the doldrums. For some, rock music allows them the chance to vent their frustrations.

Play your treasured tune, be it fast, slow, heavy or light, to lift those low spirits and move you.

7) Play a song for a depressed friend.

Watch a friend’s low spirits rise with a little music. Even if he doesn't feel that “Don’t Worry Be Happy” by Bobby McFerrin is an invigorating, cheer-up number, its aca pella charm should leave her feeling less dull after listening.

8) Pen a jingle for a pet.

Pets need a little push, too. Music distracts them from separation anxiety. Occasionally, I hum one-line jingles for my West Highland Terrier, Cloudy.

She ends her vigil at the door for my husband when I sing one.

9) Play a song as your child showers.

Showering is tedium for a child. Parents complain of hearing groans and moans when they raise the subject of a bath.

An energetic song perks them up and puts them in the tub.

10) Use music to teach your child.

A challenging aspect of a poetry’s teacher’s task is to nurture understanding and appreciation of Shakespeare and his peers.

Poetry is an alien language to a child. I used John Lennon’s imagine to raise the issue of creating a better world. His son, Julian, motivate with his song, Saltwater and its thoughts on the environment.

Let music drive you further than before.

Original work by Michelle Liew Tsui-Lin All Rights Reserved.