The spreading of atypical pneumonia has caused great anxiety and unprecedented stress upon many patients, medical professionals, family members, people in forced and voluntary segregation and the general community as a whole, I would like to let you know some music therapy ways to manage your stress. If used appropriately, they are scientifically proven to be effective in reducing stress, blood pressure, pulse rate as well as enhancing your immune response :

1) Music selection for listening
(Note: To avoid negative emotional association, select lyrics that suggest positive emotions)

　　A. Select songs and music that you like.

　　B. Select songs and music that you feel sedative.

　　C. Select songs and music that are familiar to you.

　　D. Select music that are considered by most sedative in nature. I would suggest
　　　most andante or largo movements(usually the 2nd movement) from orchestral
　　　 classical music(such as a concerto or symphony). Pachelbel's Canon in D is
　　　 another good choice.

2) The Listening Process

　　A. Use preferably a high quality Hi-Fi system.

　　B. Try your best to relax (employing muscular relaxation techniques and thinking
　　　 about good moments in life could help) and stay away from distraction.

　　C. Repeat your selection if necessary to achieve the "familiarity effect".
　　　Research findings have shown that a 25-minute segment of listening is
　　　effective in achieving the above mentioned benefits. To take Pachelbel's
　　　Canon in D as an example, the selection lasts for 7 to 8 minutes. Repeat the
　　　selection two times to complete one session of listening.

　　D. Repeat the above procedures according to individual needs.

　　Even if you are not used to listening to music, you may be surprised by the effect music could achieve. Music listening, if done properly, has no harmful side effects, I would recommend to anyone who are in need. I hope that the above method could reduce your stress as a result of the current pneumonia outbreak. And I also hope that every one in Hong Kong could contribute our efforts in facing this challenge.

Remark: "Music prescription" such as listening to certain piece of music to alleviate depression has no scientific evidence to support.