The Healing Power of Music: A Soundtrack for Self-Care

There’s something magical about music. A single song can shift your mood, ground your thoughts, or lift your spirits in just a few notes. For me, music has always been one of the simplest—and most powerful—forms of self-care. Whether I’m winding down after a long day, needing a confidence boost, or just looking for something to make me smile, I turn to my personal soundtrack.

Music as a Self-Care Tool

Did you know that listening to music can be a self-care tool? Yes! It can be an awesome self-care tool. You don’t need a fancy playlist (though curating one is part of the fun). All you need is a few songs that really speak to you.

Here are some of the ways music supports emotional and mental well-being:

Calming Songs for Stress Relief

Soft, slow melodies can help lower your heart rate and bring your nervous system back to baseline. Perfect for anxious moments or quiet time. I call this my "Breathe & Reset" playlist.

Power Ballads & Anthems for Strength
Need a pick-me-up before a big presentation or tough conversation? Cue the empowering songs. The ones that make you stand taller, sing louder, and feel unstoppable. My "You’ve Got This" soundtrack is full of them.

Feel-Good Songs for Joy
These are the songs that make you dance in the kitchen, sing in the car, or just smile out of nowhere. I keep a playlist I call "Instant Joy" for those exact moments.

Music simply meets you where you are—and that’s the essence of self-care.

Why Music Works as Self-Care

• Music reduces stress. Listening to music has been shown to decrease the stress hormone cortisol. According to an article in Harmony & Healing, a study was conducted by the British Academy of Sound that found 74% of participants reported that calming music helped them to reduce anxiety and improve their state of rest, a marker of stress resilience.

• It boosts your mood. Music activates the brain's reward center, releasing dopamine—the “feel good” chemical. This is especially true for songs that evoke strong emotional memories or have a beat we love.

• It improves focus and sleep. Certain types of music can improve concentration and even help you fall asleep faster. Research from the National Sleep Foundation found that people who listened to music before bed reported better sleep quality.

• It connects us to others. Shared playlists, concerts, or even hearing a familiar song in a public place can create a sense of community and belonging—which is a powerful form of emotional support.

• It encourages movement. Upbeat songs naturally make us want to move, which helps release endorphins and boost our energy levels—even if we’re just dancing around the kitchen.

According to an article by the American Psychological Association, music has played a large part of helping COVID patients with delirium recover. Music's power over our brains is quite phenomenal.

Your Personal Soundtrack = Your Self-Care Toolkit

One of my favorite ways to use music as self-care is to create playlists based on my needs. I went through a long period of distress after having a catastrophic surgery that left me wondering my place in the world. I don't know how I found it or maybe it found me, but the music of German DJ and record producer TheFatRat changed my life. I listened to the soundtrack for in 2021 for at least a year. It got me through my transition in life, through writing my first book, which was laborious and intense. It got me through so much and I will never forget how it makes me feel. I'll share the songs below and what they mean to me and why I love them so much. I realize that TheFatRat may not be your cup of tea, but for me it is a shining light that got me through my darkest days. 

TheFatRat with Anna Yvette & Laura Brehm - Chosen - There's just something special about this song. If you’ve ever needed a reminder that you are stronger than you think—that your voice matters and your path is yours to walk—“Chosen” is that reminder wrapped in music.

TheFatRat feat. Laura Brehm - Mayday - captures the feeling of being on the edge—calling out for help when everything feels like it’s crashing down. It’s a raw and vulnerable track, yet there’s strength woven into every note.

TheFatRat - No No No - are you trying to practice putting up boundaries in your life? This song will help you say no no no. Whether you’re saying no to overworking, toxic relationships, unrealistic expectations, or anything that drains your energy, this track gives you permission to hold your ground.

TheFatRat - Infinite Power - Need a burst of motivation to get you moving, focused, or just fired up to tackle the day? This song is pure energy in audio form.

I could keep going, but these are probably my top favorites.

Different Themes for Musical Self-Care

Breathe & Reset – My go-to for stress, anxiety, or when I just need to calm my nervous system.

You’ve Got This – Powerful songs and energizing anthems that help me show up with confidence and courage.

Instant Joy – The feel-good songs that never fail to lift my spirits and make me smile (or dance in the living room!).

What’s on Your Playlist?

Drop a comment or message me with your favorite self-care songs—and let’s co-create a playlist filled with hope, healing, and harmony, the total self-care package!

Because sometimes, the best way to care for yourself…
is to hit play. 

Wishing you joyful moments and music that moves you!

the Compassionate Librarian