President Bill Clinton designed September as Classical Music Month almost 30 years ago. It’s music that’s been around for centuries and may have an entire orchestra performing the pieces or just a few artists.
Did you know that classical music has been found to help with anxiety and stress? In a study of 180 patients, those who listened to classical music prior to a surgical procedure had lower cortisol levels, blood pressure, and heart rate.
A university study found that regular exposure to classical music didn’t ease immediate feelings of stress and anxiety, but it did improve the long-term results of Trait Anxiety and Psychological Well-Being scores. It improved self-acceptance, personal growth, and relationships with others.
Ease Your Dad’s Stress With Classical Music
To help your dad deal with stress caused by frustration with daily routines or chronic health conditions, play classical music each day. There are plenty of free music streaming platforms available with playlists you can listen to. You might have to deal with ads if you’re not a subscriber, but you won’t have to pay anything for the music streaming app.
What are some of the best pieces of classical music to help your dad with stress and anxiety? Your dad can start with the Peer Gynt Suite No. 1. It’s a soft depiction of the sunrise. A popular one is Bach’s Air on the G String, again it’s very melodic. Clair de Lune from Debussy is another solid choice. Here are some highly rated classical pieces that people rank well as being relaxing choices.
- Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata (1st Movement)
- Ofra Harnoy’s Imagine album
- Ravel’s Piano Concerto in G Major (2nd Movement)
- Max Richter’s entire Sleep album
You should work out your dad’s favorites during the day. Some albums may have faster songs, but you can find slower, soothing songs that help him relax. Try a variety of classical musicians, even modern-day artists, and take notes when your dad really likes someone’s work.
Play classical music for your dad at bedtime. Make it part of his nightly routine. Choose soft pieces with a slow tempo and soft tones. Set a timer and have it shut off automatically after the typical amount of time it takes your dad to fall asleep.
Make Sure He’s Also Supported Throughout the Week
Classical music may help your dad with stress and anxiety over time. It’s also important to support him when he has difficulty completing specific tasks. If your dad struggles with housework or meals, hire home care to help him.
Home care services help your dad with daily tasks, but he also has companions around to help him socialize and remain engaged. Talk to a home care agency to learn more about the prices and steps to get started.
Sources:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29705448/
https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1232294.pdf
If you or an aging loved one is considering home care in Pleasant Hill, CA, please contact the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care of Walnut Creek. (925) 203-3039.