Music is a powerful but often overlooked tool for practicing self-care. Not only is it entertaining, music can have a big impact on our emotions and mental well-being. Whether you listen to, create, or share music, there are many benefits to incorporating music into your self-care routine.
Here are a few ways you can use music for self-care:
1.Stress Reduction
Ever notice how a soothing melody can instantly make you feel more relaxed? Music is a great way to combat stress. It can have physical effects on your body, like lowering your heart rate and stress hormone levels!
The next time you’re feeling stressed, try listening to a soothing playlist. It could be classical music, ambient sounds, or your favorite chill playlist. You might even try listening to calming music before bed to help you drift off to sleep.
2. Emotional Outlet
Music has a special power to express emotions that words often cannot. Whether you are feeling sad, angry, or happy, there is likely a song that matches your mood. Listening to music that channels your feelings can give you a sense of relief and understanding.
Search your favorite music streaming app for emotion-based playlists, such as “Sad Playlist” or “Confused Playlist”. Listening can be like having someone who gets you without needing to say a word!
3. Social Connection
Sharing music with friends and loved ones can boost mental health by strengthening friendships and creating a sense of community. Sharing playlists, going to concerts, or playing music together can boost your mood and make you feel connected.
Try this idea to stay connected: make a shared playlist. That way, you can feel close to each other even when you’re apart. Every song becomes a shared moment, a musical high-five that says “I’m thinking of you!”
4. Boost Your Self-Care
Music is a great addition to other forms of self-care, like exercise or meditation. Upbeat, energizing music can motivate you to exercise – in fact, some research has shown that it can help you exercise longer and harder. During mindfulness exercises and meditation, gentle, repetitive music can help you stay focused.
Think about your own self-care routine and how you can add music to get the most out of it!
5. Boost Your Mood
When you’re feeling stressed, sad, or angry, music can be a powerful pick-me-up. Upbeat tunes and positive lyrics can trigger the release of dopamine, the brain’s “feel-good” chemical. One study found that when people listened to music they liked, their brains released up to 9% more dopamine!
Create a playlist of your favorite songs that make you smile or feel happy. If jumping into that feels forced, try starting with music that matches your mood and then slowly switch to songs that represent how you want to feel.
Remember, music is personal, so experiment with different genres and styles to find what works for you. Whether you’re looking to relax, energize, or express yourself, there’s likely a perfect soundtrack waiting to be discovered.
If you ever feel like you need more mental health support, we also have resources related to managing anxiety and where to go when you need someone to talk to.