Back in the day, I was mad about music. I worked for a record label, I worked with local bands, and music was a constant presence in my life.

It’s no wonder, really. I grew up with music.  My dad was in a Doo Wop group in the 50′s and early 60′s (Doo Wop shows are still a part of my life to this day), we saw about a dozen Broadway musicals every year, and my college dorm room was covered wall to wall with Bruce Springsteen memorabilia.

But then something strange happened.

I had children.

Suddenly, there was no time for music.  I was buried ih binkies and blankies, knee-deep in diapers and drool.   Unless music was sung by a furry red monster with a really high voice, I didn’t listen to it.  Music became a luxury that was no longer practical, like my old Pontiac Sunbird convertible.

And then, something strange happened again.

My kids got older.

And suddenly, they wanted to listen to music. Their tastes ran from Broadway soundtracks to the latest teeny-bopper pop to my husband’s favorite folk singer. We sang loudly together when we listened in the car. We danced together while we played music in the living room.  We teared up together at a particularly sad song.

The return of music in my life was like the return of an old friend. I didn’t realize just how much I missed it until it came back.

Turns out there are valid reasons for my feelings:

• Research has shown that there are actually therapeutic benefits of musical rhythm. A faster beat can bring about sharper thinking, while a slower beat can bring about greater relaxation.
• Another study showed that listening to soothing music twice per day for two weeks reduced stress and anxiety levels.
• Music can help reduce heart rate and blood pressure.
• Music can help enhance exercise. One study even showed that people who listened to music while exercising had better weight loss results.
• Music promotes optimism and positive thinking.  Listening to music can actually make people feel better about themselves.

Whether it’s Bach or rock, Motley Crue or the blues, music is a must for maximizing your mojo!

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