Might music make moving more manageable?

Let's start by appreciating the alliteration in the title of this post. It's almost musical! Then, let's consider the power of music and ponder how it might support mobile employees who are dealing with the stress and distraction of the relocation or assignment process. 

While I have thought about this topic for years and played with the idea of creating different playlists for people working their way through their mobility journeys, it popped back up recently while reading "The GoodNews Newsletter" from The Telegraph. In this specific newsletter, Kirsten Powley elaborates on the multiple challenges of addressing stress from the pandemic. Feeling lethargic, deflated and exhausted, she contemplates how maybe, from a mental health perspective, we all need to cut ourselves some slack and slow down from the immense efforts many of us make trying to go above and beyond. She explains:

"We must find joy and motivation where we can, but it’s worth remembering to take time out to just be, to not expect too much of yourself in a time where we’re all at a bit of a loss in some form or another. If that means dropping some responsibilities for a little while and curling up with a book, an album, your pet, a TV show or nothing at all, that’s still a win for the day."

Listening to music is one thing that has recently helped her to "chill-ax." Which completely makes sense according to PsychCentral. Music can have a tremendously powerful effect on our minds and bodies, especially when we are stressed out. 

Consider that studies have shown that:

• Listening to music can reduce feelings of depression and can actually increase self-esteem ratings in elderly people.
• Listening to music on headphones reduces stress and anxiety in hospital patients before and after surgery.
• Music therapy significantly reduces emotional distress and boosts quality of life among adult cancer patients.

You can review some of the more recent research on how music helps to relieve stress, but if music is so helpful in many seemingly extreme situations, why not consider tapping into its amazing powers when it comes to helping work your way through a relocation or international assignment?

With a unique link to our emotions, music can support our physiological functions. It can slow the pulse and heart rate, lower blood pressure, and decrease the levels of stress hormones and hence can be a fantastic stress management tool for each of us, including those who are in the midst of their "mobility journey!"

Science has shown that music helps to release mood-enhancing chemicals (dopamine) in the brain. In her article, "The Power of Music To Reduce Stress," Jane Collingwood explains that:

"When people are very stressed, there is a tendency to avoid actively listening to music. Perhaps it feels like a waste of time, not helping to achieve anything. But as we know, productivity increases when stress is reduced, so this is another area where you can gain vast rewards. It just takes a small effort to begin with."

Looking for more information about how to pick the right music for your situation? Try this advice from the University of Nevada, Reno. "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." So depending on how you are feeling along the way, let the music play to help lift you up or calm you down.