Stress levels are high these days. Between all we’re dealing with in our private lives and all that’s going on in the world around us, we’re maxed-out. Some of us cope with stress well and manage to stay out of trouble, but some of us don’t. We end up saying and doing things we regret later, or worse, end up with stress-related health problems.
I manage stress better now than in the past – and that’s not saying much – but I am better. Step one, I’ve stopped jumping to catastrophic conclusions to every stressful situation. Instead, I think logically and trust that the universe isn’t out to get me. Step two, I compartmentalize. I try to keep things in perspective and from ruining every minute of every day. Step three, I listen to music. For me, music is an emotional balm. It doesn’t solve my problems, but it does relax me so that I can engage in steps one and two.
The music that helps me most when I’m stressed-out is what I call Chill Classical Piano. It’s not a real genre, just a name I came up with by combining the phrases chill-out and classical piano. Here are five YouTube videos of Chill Classical Piano selections that are close to my heart and help me relax so I can cope with stress. Maybe they could help you too.
Thank you for reading Classical Snack. If you have questions or comments about this blog, or a suggestion for a future blog, please write to me at mwimmer@wned.org. I’d enjoy hearing from you.
Marty Wimmer is your Midday Host on WNED Classical. He’s been with WNED since 1995. Recently retired from a long career as a public school music teacher, Marty is thrilled that he still gets to talk about music every day. He lives in Buffalo and is grateful for the many good friends he has in our local classical music community. You can reach Marty at mwimmer@wned.org
