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Do you think these legendary jazz musicians – Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Charlie Parker or Miles Davis – could have ever imagined the impact their music would have on a person’s mind, body and soul?  

Jazz music developed in the United States in the very early part of the 20th century. New Orleans, near the mouth of the Mississippi River, played a key role in this development.  African American musical traditions mixed with others caused jazz to emerge into a blend of ragtime, marches, blues, and other kinds of music.    

This passionately played and written music isn’t just pleasing to the ear, there are health benefits associated with specific jazz styles. The benefits are wide-ranging, but for this blog we have chosen to focus on jazz’s power to relax usregulate blood pressure, and increase successful sleep patterns.   

Join us as we mix up a jazz music cocktail.  We suggest this cocktail for stress reduction as we enter the holidays.  Our recipe or one you choose to create, when listened to regularly, is sure to provide you with a happy and healthier holiday season.

Ingredient #1 Better Mood:  Studies show after listening to jazz music for an hour every day for a week listeners experience 25% less depression than non-listeners.     

Ingredient #2 Better Regulated Blood Pressure:  According to studies, music (including jazz) and laughter can lower blood pressure by causing blood vessels to expand by up to 30%. 

Ingredient #3 Better Sleep: Studies show that just 45 min of soft, slow music (60-80 BPM) like jazz, before bedtime results in better and longer night-time sleep which allows for more productivity during the day.   

With so many styles of jazz music to choose from, the options are endless.  Create your own recipe by using a mix of ragtime, smooth jazz, big band, jazz-funk, or cool jazz.  Whatever you choose, studies confirm that you are making a heart and mind healthy choice. 

Here is a fun fact. A study conducted by Dorothy Retallack in 1973 played music to plants for two weeks. Plants “listening” to classical and jazz music physically leaned 15 to 20 degrees toward the radio.  Plants even sense the importance of leaning in and appreciating the joy of jazz.   

Cheers to you, as you mix your own special jazz cocktail this holiday season!