Let’s face it: life can be stressful at times. No one likes to deal with stress. According to the World Health Organization, stress is a natural human response that prompts individuals to address challenges and threats in their lives. Stress is a state of worry or mental tension caused by a difficult situation.

Everyone will experience some form of stress in their lifetime. Stress affects both the mind and the body.  Physical and mental health problems can occur due to too much stress. Stress makes it difficult for a person to relax and can cause a range of emotions. When a person is stressed, it may be difficult to concentrate. Chronic stress can sometimes lead to an increase in a person’s alcohol, tobacco, or substance use. Stress can also cause anxiety or depression.

Learning how to cope with stress can help a person feel less overwhelmed, and it will also help to support a person’s mental and physical well-being. There are several ways to cope with stress. Listening to music is one of my favorite coping mechanisms for dealing with stress.

Using Music to Help Relieve Stress

I absolutely love listening to music. My clients have benefited greatly from listening to music when stressed. Here are some steps and tips you can use to help incorporate music into your daily routine to help relieve stress.

Choose Calming Music:

Choose music that has gentle melodies and soothing sounds. Choosing songs with positive lyrics within them is also a good idea. Classical music, ambient music, nature sounds, and instrumental tracks can be great choices. Experiment with different genres to find what resonates with you.

Create a Playlist:

Compile a playlist of your favorite relaxing tracks. Having a dedicated playlist will make it easier to find your calming music whenever needed.

Find a Quiet Space:

Try to find a quiet and comfortable space where you will not be disturbed. This could be a corner in your home, a peaceful outdoor setting, or a nice spot in the park.

Use Headphones:

Using headphones is a great way to block out all distractions from the outside world. This will allow you to focus on the music fully.

Close Your Eyes and Practice Deep Breathing:

Close your eyes and combine a breathing technique with your music. Close your eyes and inhale deeply for a count of five, hold for five counts, and exhale for five counts.

Mindful Listening:

Engage in mindful listening by fully immersing yourself in the music. Pay attention to the sounds, the textures of the melodies, and the emotions they evoke.

Daily Ritual:

Incorporate a daily ritual of listening to calming music. This could be in the morning before you start your day or at night before bed.

Massage or Bath Ritual:

Combine soothing music with relaxation techniques such as a massage or a warm bath.

Guided Imagery:

As your music plays, use the calming music as a backdrop for guided imagery. Imagine yourself in a serene setting, allowing your mind to wander and explore.

Experiment and Personalize:

Everyone’s preferences are different. Please experiment with different types of music, techniques, and environments to find what works best for you. Personalization is the key to creating a relaxation routine that will suit your needs.

Music combined with therapy is an amazing duo to help relieve stress. One of our therapists can help you create your music relaxation technique and discover other coping mechanisms to decrease stress. Please contact one of our therapists to begin the path to better mental and physical health.