Let’s keep the momentum going with our series on Self-Care and Stress Relief. Today, we’re diving into how music can be a powerful tool to ease stress and uplift your spirits. Whether it’s your favorite tune or something new, music has a unique way of soothing our minds and bringing calm in the chaos.
Music has a powerful way of lifting our spirits—listening to the right tunes can instantly shift our mood. When we enjoy music, our brains release dopamine, often called the “feel-good hormone,” which helps us feel happier. Beyond just boosting emotions, music serves as a therapeutic tool that can reduce stress, aid healing, and enhance overall emotional well-being. In fact, listening to music is also linked to improvements in physical health and general wellness.
Nearly everyone has access to music, making it one of the most affordable and accessible tools for well-being. There’s a genre to suit every taste, offering a personal way to unwind and recharge. As Psych Central highlights, “Contemporary research suggests music has significant power to help reduce stress and anxiety, relieve pain, and improve focus, among many more benefits.”
Music impacts us both mentally and physically. Research on music therapy shows that it can lower heart rate and cortisol levels, boost endorphin production, help divert attention from difficult emotions, and alleviate stress.
Music is something you can enjoy anytime, anywhere. Many people start their day with a favorite song to set a positive tone. Whether at home, in the car, or during a workout, music accompanies us through everyday moments and activities.
According to ASCAP, American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers, music can do the following in our lives…
- Brings on feelings of pleasure
- Helps relax the nervous system
- Is an emotional release
- Keeps you centered in the present moment
- Creates a mental escape from stress
- Boosts creative expression
According to the University of Nevada, music can have a powerful effect on our mood and mental state. Faster-paced songs can increase alertness and improve concentration, while upbeat tunes tend to boost optimism and positivity. On the other hand, slower tempos help calm the mind and relax the muscles, providing soothing relief from daily stress. Overall, music is a valuable tool for relaxation and stress management.
There are countless ways to bring music into our lives, and here’s what I recommend—something I do myself. Create playlists of your favorite songs; I use Spotify because it lets me build endless playlists. I have collections from the 1960s through today, a Christian playlist full of my favorite worship songs, and even soundtracks from movies and plays. No matter the mood, there’s always a playlist for it. When you’re feeling down, put on your go-to tunes—I know music has taken me from sad moments to dancing in no time.
Try weaving music throughout your day, too. Many people start by playing songs as soon as they wake up, and I find music helpful during chores, driving, or whenever I need an emotional lift.
Take care of yourself and find little ways to de-stress. Put on some music, have a little dance, and sing along—it really can make you feel better.