Bilateral Music: Your New Favourite Playlist
We all know life can be a whirlwind, between balancing careers, relationships and personal goals, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. At any one time you can have multiple thoughts running through your mind and sometimes it can feel impossible to focus on even just one of those thoughts. Well, what if we told you that there is a simple yet effective way to help you focus whilst soothing your emotional levels? Bilateral music might be just what you need!
What is Bilateral Music?
Bilateral music is a type of audio therapy that alternates sounds between your left and right ears. This creates a rhythmic pattern that can help calm your mind and reduce stress. Originally used in therapies for treating trauma, bilateral music has now become a popular tool for anyone looking to boost their mental health and overall wellbeing.
How Does It Work?
Here’s the magic behind bilateral music in a nutshell:
Balances Your Brain: The alternating sounds engage both sides of your brain, helping to create a balanced and synchronised mental state. This balance is key to managing emotions and thoughts effectively.
Calms Your Nervous System: The rhythmic nature of bilateral music helps activate your body’s relaxation response, making you feel calmer and more grounded.
Promotes Mental Flexibility: By engaging both hemispheres of your brain, bilateral music can enhance your brain’s ability to adapt and process new information, which is great for overcoming stress and negative thoughts.
A study published in the Journal of EMDR Practice and Research found that bilateral stimulation can also help improve focus and attention in individuals with ADHD. By engaging both hemispheres of the brain, bilateral stimulation can enhance cognitive processing and reduce distractibility.
Why Bilateral Music is Relevant to Your Busy Life
Research shows that bilateral music can significantly reduce stress levels. Listening to it for just a few minutes a day can help you feel more relaxed and ready to tackle your to-do list. Plus, if you struggle with winding down at night, it can also help. Its calming effects make it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep, giving you the rest you need to conquer the next day.
Need a mental boost at work or during creative projects? By stimulating both sides of your brain, it promotes a balanced brain state essential for clear thinking and innovative ideas. This harmony reduces mental clutter, enhances problem-solving skills and helps creative thinking by creating a relaxed yet engaged mind. Whether you're tackling work projects, learning new skills, or engaging in creative activities, bilateral music can help you maintain sharp focus and unlock new perspectives, making it an excellent tool for enhancing productivity and creativity.
How to Incorporate Bilateral Music into Your Routine
The best part about bilateral music is how easy it is to include in your daily life. Here are some simple tips:
Use Headphones: To get the most out of bilateral music, listen with headphones that clearly separate left and right sounds.
Relax and Listen: Play bilateral music during your relaxation times, like during meditation, yoga, or while winding down before bed.
Pair with Other Activities: Enhance other self-care practices by adding bilateral music. Whether you’re reading, journalling, or taking a bath, let the music help you relax and rejuvenate.
Even better, there are a whole host of platforms where you can access bilateral music for free! We’ve included some links to our favourite playlists below:
Bilateral music is a powerful yet simple tool that can make a big difference in your life. By reducing stress, improving sleep and promoting emotional balance, it's a perfect tool to enhance your daily wellbeing. Give bilateral music a try and discover a calmer, more balanced you.
