Music for Self-Care

Self-care plays a significant role in maintaining good mental health. It’s important to have a well-stocked ‘toolbox’ of different things you can do for self-care when you’re experiencing a difficult situation or having a bad day Music can be part of that ‘toolbox’ because it’s easily accessible to everyone, almost anywhere. With streaming music services so readily available these days, adding music into your self-care routine couldn’t be easier!

Here are a few ways you can incorporate music into your self-care routine:

• create a playlist for different emotions (such as happy, sad, frustrated, content, excited)
• listen to relaxing music when you want to wind down at the end of the day or after work
• sing along to the radio in the car or in the shower
• play quiet background music during your mindfulness practice/meditation time
• use music to motivate you before a workout or big presentation at your job
• learn how to play an instrument (or pick one back up!)
• go to a concert
• join a community music group
• use music as part of your bedtime routine

Music can be used in so many different ways to help improve how we think and feel. It can help reduce stress, and it gives us another way of expressing our feelings. Attending concerts or joining a music group are also terrific ways of meeting new people and expanding your social circle around a common interest.

Please let me know if you have additional ways that you incorporate music into your self-care ‘toolbox.’ If you try some of these ideas and find that you’re still struggling with mental health concerns, then perhaps it’s time to consider seeking out professional help. I’m always happy to answer any questions about how music therapy might help you! Please feel free to contact me anytime.

~Stephanie