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It was in the press recently that a study has proven that listening to heavy metal or punk music can actually make you relaxed not turn you into a satan worshiping, pet sacrificing, head banging moron which is what most people must think.
The study was undertaken by the University of Queensland (UQ) School of Psychology and it revealed that listening to head banging music has the same affect as a warm hug. Honours student Leah Sharman and Dr Genevieve Dingle showed listeners mostly became ‘inspired and calm’.
Slipknot are one of the best bands for writing about break ups and real life problems. |
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There have been some pretty dark times in my life, both pre and post addiction, and especially in my recovery, where I’ve turned to music to get me through the day, week, month. Heavy metal music does calm me. Most of the bands I listen to have been through some sort of break up whether that’s from substance abuse or relationship breakdown. Everyone can relate. You feel the pain. The pain makes it real. The double kick drum beat makes your heart beat faster but in rhythm, you control your breathing while listening to every word in the song. The electrifying guitar riffs take your mind from the real troubles around you in your every day but at the same time make it seem okay. It’s your brief escape from reality, into a relaxed, calming state but at the same time your reality that you can relate to. That you’re not the only one going through this stuff.
As the study results proved,
“The music helped them explore the full gamut of emotion they felt, but also left them feeling more active and inspired. Results showed levels of hostility, irritability and stress decreased after music was introduced, and the most significant change reported was the level of inspiration they felt.”
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For more information on the UQ study, you can find details here.
That's quite interesting. I don't find heavy metal or classical particularly relaxing to be honest, but then again I don't often listen to music to relax. My husband has music on all the time though and it differs depending on his mood. 🙂
I guess some people don't find any kind of music relaxing and some probably wouldn't find heavy metal music relaxing either. For me though, it is very calming and very inspiring as is a lot of other musical genres.
Cheers
I agree, on the way to the kid's kindy, Enter Sandman was playing and I turned it up and sang my heart out, the boys (3.5 and 5) loved it – my 7yo daughter not so much. I've always listened to music to heal, hurt or be happy!
Yep, that one will work every time Em! lol My kids aren't into heavy metal at all which is disappointing. They're only 13 and 10. Keeping my fingers crossed!
Cheers, Damo
I love listen into heavy metal music when I'm running or in the car on my own. It's just liberating.
So true Grace. I find it liberating too. Thanks for stopping by.
Damo