We are bombarded daily with news, advertisements, telemarketers, text advertisements and annoying phone calls. All of this is physically and emotionally draining.

For the last 20 years I have listened to, watched and read the news. Sadly, most of the news is bad, negative and depressing. Actually, so much of television is filled with bad news, violence and sad stories. So much of programming is filled with assaults, hate, homicides, intense sexuality and overall bad stuff. A heavy dose of this each day does no one any good.

We need more music and we need it daily. Too many people only get a little music while driving in their cars, if they remember to turn their radio on. Even then many turn on a talk radio station. Talk radio is very interesting but then again it may be the same themes that are on cable news programs you watch on television. You need a break from this.

There are many ways to obtain your favorite music today. Turn your radio on. There are so many good hard-working stations that are playing music you enjoy. You might have to scan through a few stations but you can find one. Whether it is current pop music or old rock, country or gospel, if you search you will find one that plays some music you enjoy. Also, there is lots of music available through the Internet. Through YouTube, Apple music, and more you can find something to listen to.

Listen to music when you are exercising. I used to try to treadmill when watching the news. That’s okay, but I move faster and longer if I’m listening to good music. Try doing your house cleaning or cleaning out your garage with some good music on. Mowing the grass while listening to music is not a good idea because you have to crank the music up so loud you will damage your hearing.

We need music like we need sunshine. Music is like a B-12 shot to the spirit and we need an hour or more of it daily to boost and sometimes calm our spirit. If it makes you smile or dance a little then that’s all the better.

There is so much intensity in life today. People are stressed over Iran. We are stressed about the price of gasoline, groceries and the cost of daily life. We let politics and issues make us uptight. We should not live our lives this way. Music that you enjoy will help you to loosen up a little bit.

I am not saying we should hide our heads in the sand. Just give your spirit a break. Turn off the news for a while and listen to music for an hour or two. Try it and see if it helps.

— Dr. Glenn Mollette is read in all 50 states. He may be emailed at gmollette@aol.com.