Ranchi, June 19: Do you feel stressed out while coping with the pressures of a fast-paced lifestyle? If so, it's time for some music in your life.

This is what Soubhik Chakraborty, professor of mathematics at BIT-Mesra, told participants at a seminar he organised at a city hotel today.

Stressing on the therapeutic value of melody, the professor encouraged participants to listen to music every day.

"Today, illnesses and deaths are mostly induced by lifestyles, from heart attacks and diabetes to hypertension, among others. While music is not a replacement for pills, research has shown listening to it helps us sleep better, strengthen our heart and help keep us fit and healthy," he said.

The professor gave an example of a study made by RIMS doctors in Ranchi earlier this year during which it was found that patients who got medicines and music therapy together recovered faster.

Chakraborty said the survey was conducted on patients who had sustained head injuries in road accidents and had been admitted to RIMS.

"Divided into two groups, one group got medicines and was also made to listen to music. The other group only got medicines. Patients in the first group recovered faster," Chakraborty said.

He explained how slow music relaxes the listener.

"Our BP and heart beats slow down, which help us breathe slowly, reducing muscle tension in our neck, shoulders, stomach and back," he said.

Over 50 family members of BIT professors and RIMS doctors attended the event. RIMS students performed a dance while those of St Francis School, Harmu, sang a song.

"We will also try to make schools include music in their curriculums. We are in touch with RIMS and the state government so as to set up a music lab at RIMS as well," Chakraborty said.

Raga Malkauns, anyone?