Music has a profound impact on our mood and well-being, calming us down or activating our fight-or-flight response.
ASMR triggers a unique tactile sensation and can promote relaxation, mindfulness, and reduced stress levels.
Deep dives
Music as a Sonic Prescription
Music has a calming effect and can regulate emotions. It has a profound impact on our sympathetic nervous system, which can activate our fight-or-flight response or calm us down. High-tempo songs can enhance physical performance by reducing perceived exertion. Personal preferences and nostalgic connections to certain music also play a role in our mood and well-being. Playing music in a group enhances social cohesion and synchronization, leading to positive emotional experiences and increased kindness.
ASMR: Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response
ASMR triggers a tingling sensation often starting at the base of the neck and going up to the head and down the shoulders. Delicate sounds like whispering or certain tactile stimuli like crinkling objects can induce this pleasurable response. ASMR is a unique phenomenon in which sound triggers a tactile sensation. Although more research is needed, it is suggested that ASMR can promote relaxation, mindfulness, and reduced stress levels.
Misophonia: Sound Sensitivity and Strong Reactions
Misophonia refers to extreme panic reactions to certain sounds, often normal everyday sounds that trigger negative emotional states. Individuals with misophonia experience physical and emotional distress when exposed to certain sounds like chewing, slurping, or tapping. It can lead to feelings of irritability, tension, and reduced focus. Techniques like distraction, comparisons, and creating alternative sensory experiences can help manage misophonia and minimize its impact.
Importance of Hearing Protection and Sonic Tourism
Protecting our hearing is crucial, and earplugs should be readily accessible to avoid permanent damage. Noise pollution, including environmental sounds, can have significant effects on our mental health, attention, and social well-being. Embracing sonic tourism, where we consciously seek out and appreciate natural sounds, can evoke awe, enhance mindfulness, and foster a sense of connection with the world around us. Additionally, experiencing silence and avoiding loud or disruptive environments can improve our overall well-being.
We spend a lot of time curating for taste, touch, smell, and vision. But too often, sound gets overlooked. We forget that we can get rid of sounds that annoy us, and surround ourselves with sounds that we love. When we do, it can have huge benefits for our mood and wellbeing. In this episode, Dr. Laurie Santos of The Happiness Lab joins Dallas to create a Handbook for Sonic Happiness. Featuring auditory psychologist David Poeppel, psychology researcher Giulia Poerio, clinical psychologist Ali Mattu, sound scholar Mac Hagood and acoustician Trevor Cox.
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