Do you discover your foot tapping or your physique swaying nearly mechanically when a great music begins taking part in? Our our bodies naturally need to synchronize with the rhythms in music. This phenomenon is musical entrainment, a useful gizmo that helps us use music to control not simply our motor actions, however our heartbeat and respiratory, too.
In my medical expertise as a music therapist, I’ve seen how music and different sensory experiences assist people enhance their focus, impulse management, and emotional regulation. Strive these enjoyable (and eccentric!) actions, designed to stimulate the sensory pathways (sight, sound, contact, style, and scent) to chill out the physique and thoughts.
The Scarf’s Serenade
Seize a lightweight scarf. Placed on some instrumental, stress-free music of your selection. Glide the headband over your physique. The calming and repetitive motion works effectively to control hyperactivity, racing thoughts, and impulses, as your consideration will probably be drawn to the sensory expertise of the headband over your pores and skin to the tune of soothing music.
A Symphony of Mist
Placed on a calming, instrumental music observe. (Unsure what to pick? Strive “Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head” by B.J. Thomas. You’ll see why.) Seize a twig bottle and fill it with water. Spray it over your head and let the mist fall onto your face. The sunshine contact of the mist paired with acquainted, rhythmic music prompts the parasympathetic nervous system, which is liable for the physique’s calming response. This helps shift the mind and physique from a hyper-aroused to a extra regulated and calm state.
The Balloon’s Dance
Placed on some music and bounce a balloon to the beat. Music provides a predictable auditory rhythm, to which you’ll naturally sync your actions. In the meantime, repetitive bouncing will present a goal on your focus and provides your physique an outlet for stressed motion, with out being overly stimulating.
Sticks and Sounds
Flip in your favourite music and seize two pencils or chopsticks. Then, faucet alongside to the beat on any floor you will discover! When you’re already within the behavior of drumming alongside, preserve at it. Tapping is a managed, protected outlet for motion — you could not understand the way it has in all probability helped you handle restlessness and cut back impulsive behaviors! Shifting and grooving to a beat helps physique regulation and coordination, selling a way of inner calm.
Music Remedy and ADHD: Subsequent Steps
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