10. Choose a goal that you can be proud to work toward and which enhances and maintains your self-respect.

11. Don't forget to take short breaks throughout your workday.

12. Think ahead. Always have a plan B in case plan A does not work.

13. Mistakes happen. If it's your fault, admit it and don't waste time and energy with excuses.

14. Take time to exercise regularly. Exercise is a good stress-buster.

15. Improve your relationships. Give up those that lead nowhere and drain your energy.

16. Pace yourself. Know your limits. If you feel you can go extra mile and it's a worthy goal, then go for it...but don't obsess or overdo. Sometimes, less is more.

17. If a situation or workload appears overwhelming don't panic. Instead, analyze problem and divide it into smaller, more manageable parts to be completed in an orderly manner.

18. Trying to be king of hill is ok so long as it remains a game. When it becomes a stressful, obsessive and competitive desire to win no matter cost, you've got a problem.

19. A little humor can often diffuse a tense situation.

20. Don't take yourself too seriously. Lighten up...your friends and co-workers will appreciate it and you'll feel better.

21. Continual worry or guilt solves nothing. Take action by changing what you can, ignoring rest and concentrating your effort on creating a better future.

22. Choose work that: (a) you enjoy (b) you are capable of (c) produces results that are helpful to and appreciated by others.

23. Get plenty of sleep and rest. Sleep deprivation is a major cause of burnout, stress and anxiety.

24. Listen to soothing, relaxing music that provides space you need to pause, reflect and regenerate.

25. Unreasonable deadlines can be very stressful. Try to establish a schedule that is realistic and manageable.

26. If a problem or situation is too complex for you to handle, seeking aid of a qualified professional counselor or doctor may provide help and guidance that you need.

Copyright © 2003-2005 Channel 1 Records All rights reserved

Regarding latter, a number of research projects have convincingly demonstrated that music can be harmful or beneficial dependent upon type. Most notable is work of Dorothy Retallack, Dr. T.C.Singh, Dr. Harvey Bird and Dr. Gervasia Shreckenberg. (see below)

Unlike research mentioned above, other sources of information often prove to be more conjectural than factual. For sure, one can find usual authoritative comment in any good library...but much of that opinion appears to focus on effects of music rather than its ethereal nature and origin. However, deciphering and understanding ethereal may ultimately require more than human rationalism and logic can provide. Perhaps this is one reason why puzzle of human response to music has yet to be solved.

Logically, one would think that thousands of years of musical endeavor should have produced something in way of bona fide evidence; something that would provide an irrefutable explanation for that musical-empathic link that so often lifts human spirit. Obviously, that link has yet to be established and if history is any indicator, solution to puzzle may be a long time in coming. Meanwhile, inspiring music continues to fulfill a strong human need. It speaks to heart and because of this, improves and enhances our lives. This is why certain music has been so successful as a stress management tool. It calms and provides respite wherein recovery may take place. As for solving puzzle, that is best left to musicologists. Listeners need not and should not be too concerned with complex issues and technical aspects of music. As a matter of fact, focusing on complex tends to block one's ability to feel. Why? Because it is impossible to analyze and feel simultaneously.

A passing mention should be given here concerning existence of something called Negative music. Negative music has one major flaw: it cannot subsist for long without support of high-powered marketing hype, major theatrical effects and high decibel amplification. It is called music by its practitioners and followers but that is a misnomer. Rather, it is a form of abrasive-aggressive entertainment. This subject will be pursued further in a future article.

So where does all of this leave us? Well, we have a world of music at our disposal and where we go from there is up to us. Perhaps, during process of listening to music, we may experience one of those magic moments wherein we discover ourselves. Finally, inspiring music contains a message for everyone and to receive that message, all we need do is simply listen with an open heart and allow music to do what it has always done best - uplift human spirit and soothe soul.

For more about work of Dorothy Retallack, Dr. T.C.Singh, Dr. Harvey Bird and Dr. Gervasia Shreckenberg go to: http://www.channel1records.com/how_music_affects_your_kids.htm

Copyright © 2003-2005 Channel 1 Records All rights reserved