The journey to improve mental well-being has become a priority for many people. Sure, you’ve probably heard the usual advice about exercise or mindfulness. What about music? Have you thought about incorporating that into your routine?
Music is entertainment. It’s medicine. It’s a friend when you’re lonely, sad, or happy who’s willing to let you be exactly how you are at any given time. In short – it’s also a tool that can influence your emotions, lower stress, and help you reconnect with yourself.
Incorporating music into your daily routine can make those long hours at home feel a bit lighter and your days more balanced. Let’s explore why music could be your go-to mental health hack and how you can actively use it to elevate your mood, focus, or unwind entirely.
The Science Behind Music and Mental Health
Oh yeah. It’s a real thing. And science is backing it up. When you listen to music, your brain gets a dopamine hit. It’s the chemical linked to feelings of pleasure and happiness. It’s kind of like your brain giving you a high-five for tuning into a great rhythm.
Studies have also shown that music can reduce levels of cortisol, the infamous stress hormone. Who knew that jamming out to Cotton Eye Joe at home with earbuds in could lower anxiety and balance your mood?
And if you’ve trouble falling asleep, slow, calming music can help your brain become more relaxed, making it easier to drift off.
On top of that, certain types of music activate areas of the brain responsible for memory and social connection, nurturing a sense of comfort even if you’re physically alone.
When times feel isolating because you’re stuck at home a lot, that mental connection to a memory or mood can really make a difference.
It’s not just listening to music that can have this impact. Being a participant can also have benefits. Think about how you tap with your fingers when jamming to face toons. Or how you feel when you’re using software to master tracks effortlessly. That’s not nothing.
Practical Ways to Incorporate Music Into Your Routine
The beauty of music is that it fits seamlessly into your life without requiring huge adjustments. Here are a few ways to make this work for you – not just in theory, but for real.
- Set Your Morning Vibe – Channel your inner Shoresy. Start your day with music that sets the tone for what you want to feel. Need energy? Choose an upbeat playlist while you brew that first cup of coffee. Want calmness? Opt for acoustic or instrumental tracks to gently ease into your day.
- Work or Study Smarter – Background music with minimal lyrics can help you focus and increase productivity while working or studying. Soft lo-fi beats or classical music work well because they’re not overly distracting but still give a rhythm to your tasks.
- De-Stress After a Tough Day – Pick music that helps you transition out of work mode. Slow, soothing tunes can help your brain unwind after a day that feels heavy. Play instrumental jazz, nature-inspired soundscapes, or even meditation tracks when you need to decompress.
- Move with Music – Exercise becomes much more enjoyable with the right soundtrack. Whether it’s hardstyle, hip hop, or high-energy EDM, music can give you a mood boost that keeps you moving. Even a 20-minute dance session in your kitchen counts.
- Use Music for Better Sleep – Create a nighttime playlist with relaxing tracks that signal your brain it’s time to wind down. Many people succeed with lullaby-like melodies or binaural beats promoting relaxation and deeper sleep. Pair this with a nightly routine and watch it work like magic.
Helpful Resources for Music Wellness
If you’re wondering where to even begin, there are plenty of resources to explore without getting overwhelmed. Here are a few to check out.
- Spotify Playlists: From “Calm Vibes” to “Morning Motivation,” Spotify offers curated playlists for nearly every mood.
- Calm App: Ideal for meditation tracks and sleep music.
- YouTube Channels: Channels like “ChilledCow” or “The Honest Guys” provide lo-fi and meditation music you can stream for free.
- Apple Music Moods: Apple Music lets you search for playlists tailored to your current emotions.
- Breathe App: A mindfulness app featuring music paired with relaxation exercises.
- Relax Melodies: Customizable soundscapes for stress relief and sleep.
Using these is an easy and practical way to enhance your mental wellness through music wherever you are, whenever you need it.
Take Control of Your Wellness, One Note at a Time
Music shouldn’t be background noise. It’s the soundtrack of your life and a powerful tool you can use to transform your mental health for the better.
Whether you need a way to de-stress, boost focus, or be more connected to your happy place when life feels overwhelming, music is there to guide you. You can take control of your mood and mental well-being by incorporating even small changes – like curating a playlist for your morning or winding down your evening with relaxing tracks.
Discover new music and you’ll also find out what works best for you and make it part of your routine. You have the power to shape your emotional landscape, one note at a time.
