NPR aired a segment on "Happy Tunes Lead to Healthy Hearts", and I am curious if anyone has experienced this as well.
The researchers from Univ. of Maryland found that individuals who simply listened to enjoyable music (their choice, everything from Bon Jovi to Faith Hill) had as much as 25% expansion in their blood vessels, which is about the same level as when engaging in aerobic exercise. On the other hand, when individuals listened to music that was unpleasant, their blood vessels constricted, much as they would in a stressful or anxiety-producing event.
Do you believe that our bodies are this simple: that the mind-body connection is as "easy" as thinking good thoughts, eating good food or listening to good music...and by doing these "good" and "happy" and "pleasant" things, that our physical bodies respond in positive ways (expanding blood vessels, excreting endorphins), and therefore, our hearts and cardiovascular systems are healthier?
If you do believe this, I would love to hear more. Why are we (society) not talking about the "easy" ways to help your heart: do things you love!