February/March 2018 75
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: COURTESY OF SUR LA TABLE; JEPPE SØRENSEN/BANG & OLUFSEN; COURTESY OF ZUMBA FITNESS
MUSICALLY
MOTIVATE
Listening to favorite
songs connects us with
cherished memories,
and can help access
emotions and feelings
that may be hidden
just below the surface.
Researchers at the
University of Manchester
found that an organ
in your inner ear is
connected to the part of
your brain that registers
pleasure, and just humming
to yourself can
brighten your mood.
So, tune into your own
personal power playlist
of energetic hits to lift
spirits and musically
motivate your way out
of apathy. Michael
Jolkovski, a psychologist
who specializes
in musicians, believes
that music also reduces
stress by helping people
connect with others.
TEACH YOURSELF
When you learn something, whether it’s
a language or a musical instrument, it
can redirect and enrich your thought life.
Studies show that playing an instrument
also helps in lowering heart rate and
blood pressure, which in turn lowers the
stress hormone cortisol, thus making us
feel relaxed. Feeling connected is another
immediate benefit of learning a new language.
Other skills, hobbies or pastimes—
from bowling to woodworking to culinary
arts—also enable us to network with others
who share our newfound passions.
STEP IT UP
Our cave-dwelling ancestors painted their walls with
pictures of dancers. Even babies instinctively bobble
to the beat of music. Dancing feels good, and while
ZUMBA CLASS
some societies ban it, there is no culture on Earth
that doesn’t possess an urge to dance. Bounce your
way to bliss with a back to basics ballet class, salsa
social or Zumba session.
ROCKING THE
BEOPLAY H7
HEADPHONES
COOKING CLASS AT
SUR LA TABLE