Updated: 02/15/2009 9:14 PM KSTP.com | Print Story
By: Art Barron

BARRON: Cranking up the music can lift your spirit

From time to time, all of us find ourselves stressed out for all sorts of reasons. Many feel anxious, others can't sleep, and some feel down in the dumps or depressed.

The other day I felt overwhelmed. Usually I go to the gym and work out, and I feel great. But this time I didn't want to put on the gym clothes and step out. So, I pulled a few of my favorite songs turned on the stereo, and cranked up the volume. Something as simple as that really did the trick.

But the important thing here is that you have a system that delivers good sound. You should have a subwoofer (good bass) and speakers capable of delivering a wide dynamic range. This is the key. You've got to "feel" the music as in "bass" "drums" or "percussion". After ten minutes you'll notice the stress going away, if you're feeling down, the great sound and beat will "lift your spirit".

Sometimes, I forget that I need to take a break, and just listen to some good music. The music of any kind, whether it's rock, R and B, jazz, classical, alternative, etc. Whatever floats your boat.

Of course make sure your neighbors aren't too close to hear it, or that stress will come back fast when they they knock on your door. So, make sure you have a good set of headphones just in case.