Newsletter: March, 2021

Music is a part of our lives and has been throughout all of history. As humans we love to sing, hum, sway, clap, and dance to music–music makes us feel good! In addition to putting us into a good mood, music also has the power to improve our overall physical and mental health in many ways. Music is more than a series of sounds; it effects our overall energy and leave us feeling inspired.

What does music have to do with my health?

Music has been studied for many years and research has found that music may actually improve our overall health and wellness. The following benefits have been shown:

• Music increases cognitive function
• Classical music may increase IQ scores
• Music can help the brain process information more efficiently
• Learning to play a musical instrument may enhance the brains ability to process new languages, tasks, and memories
• Music has been shown to decrease blood pressure
• Music may increase brain plasticity (its ability to make new connections)

How can I create a playlist to feel inspired?

Before you can decide what music to add to your playlist, you’ll need to know when you intend to listen to that playlist. For example, if you’re creating a running playlist, the songs you will choose will be much different than the songs you would choose for a playlist you might make when you want to concentrate while working or completing a task.

First, start by considering how and when you intend to listen to the music you’ll be adding. Next, think about the mood or feels you will want to experience from said playlist. Start by brainstorming the type of artists, sounds, or genres that most align with the feelings that you are trying to elicit. Then consider adding one song at a time—there is no right or wrong here! Sometimes music streaming services such as Spotify or Pandora have premade playlists that you can tweak or add to make more your own. The most important thing is to keep it fun and enjoy the process!

SWEET AND SAVORY ROASTED ALMONDS

Ingredients

• 3cups raw almonds
• 3tablespoons maple syrup
• 1tablespoon olive oil
• 5tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
• ½teaspoon chili powder
• ½teaspoon ground cumin
• ½teaspoon ground coriander
• ½teaspoon salt
• ¼teaspoon cayenne

Directions

1. With a rack in the middle of your oven, preheat the oven to 325°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the maple syrup, oil, chopped rosemary, chili powder, cumin, coriander, salt and cayenne. Whisk together and add the almonds, stir until almonds are well coated with the spice mixture.
3. Spread almonds onto the baking sheet in one even layer.
4. Bake in the oven for 10 minutes, then stir and bake for an additional 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool on baking sheet.
5. Serve or store in an airtight container for up to three weeks.

Nutrition Facts (note 1 serving is ¼ cup)

Calories: 231kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 7gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 84mgPotassium: 289mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 170IUVitamin C: 1.7mgCalcium: 109mgIron: 1.7mg