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

Pause, Breathe, & Take Time For Yourself

If You’re Reading This, You Might Just Be in Need of Some Self-Care

If you find yourself here at the Compassionate Librarian blog you might be in need of some self-care. The first thing you can do is pause for a moment and take a deep breath. Maybe you’ve been running on empty, giving your all at work, or just feeling stretched too thin. It happens to the best of us. The good news is you can take some time for yourself to practice self-care.

Some days, it’s easy to juggle everything with a smile. But other days? Not so much. Today, for example, I’m not feeling well, and managing my own energy is hard enough—let alone handling complaints, endless questions, and unexpected issues at the library. On days like this, it’s easy to put yourself last because everything feels urgent. But that’s exactly when self-care becomes most important.

What does self-care look like on tough days?
It doesn’t have to be big or elaborate. Sometimes it’s about doing what you can—even if it’s small:

• Take a break. Step away for five minutes, even if it’s just to breathe or drink water.
• Lower the bar. Give yourself permission to do the essentials and let go of perfection.
• Create a small comfort ritual. Have a cup of tea, put on music that calms you, or take a short walk around the building.
• Ask for help. Lean on your team when you need it. We’re better when we support each other.
• Remind yourself: This moment will pass. Hard days come and go. Be kind to yourself in the middle of it all.

The reality is, working with the public service can be really demanding. We show up for others, often when we’re not at our best. But self-care is what makes it sustainable. It’s not selfish—it’s survival.

So, if you’re reading this, take a moment for yourself today if you can, if not please try for tomorrow. You’ve earned it. And if all you do is breathe deeply and remind yourself you’re doing your best, that’s enough.

Sending super big hugs!

the Compassionate Librarian

How Helping Others Can Fill Your Cup

When Helping Others is Part of Your Self-Care

For some of us, the act of helping others—whether it’s assisting a patron, checking in on a friend, or simply offering kindness to a stranger—fills our emotional well. We find strength and healing in connection, and giving our time or energy to support others makes us feel good. But how do we balance this when life gets overwhelming?

Why Helping Others Feels So Good

There’s a reason helping others is powerful. Studies show it releases endorphins, reduces stress, and increases feelings of connection. For those of us in service professions—like librarians—it can be both a calling and a coping mechanism. When we help, we feel more grounded, useful, and in tune with our community.

I’ve experienced firsthand that some of my most meaningful moments have come from lending a hand to someone in need, whether it was offering support to a patron experiencing homelessness, listening to a colleague who just needed to vent, or surprising a friend with a small act of kindness. Every time I help someone, I walk away feeling a little lighter and more connected to something bigger than myself.

Balance is Key

For many people, helping others gives you a happy boost, which also supports an overall feeling of well-being. With that in mind, it can sometimes be easy to lose sight of your own needs. If your self-care only involves giving to others, you might eventually feel drained or resentful. I’ve learned (sometimes the hard way!) that it’s okay to set boundaries and say no when you need to recharge.

Here are a few tips I’ve found to Be helpful:

1. Set boundaries: Be honest with yourself about how much you can give without depleting your own energy.
2. Find joy in small acts: Not every act of kindness needs to be big. Sometimes holding the door for someone or giving a compliment is enough.
3. Practice reciprocal care: Surround yourself with people who can also support you when you need it.
4. Check in with yourself: Ask, “Am I helping because it feels good or because I feel I have to?”

Final Thoughts

If you are like me and helping others is part of your self-care, you should embrace it! Just remember that it’s okay to prioritize your own needs, too. Self-care doesn’t mean you have to stop being compassionate; it means making sure you have the energy to keep giving in meaningful, healthy ways.

Happy Self-Care,

the Compassionate Librarian

The Benefits of Taking Your Lunch Break

In the fast-paced world of library work, it can be all too easy to skip your lunch break or spend it glued to your desk. There’s always another patron to help, a program to plan, or emails to answer. But here’s the truth: skipping your break doesn’t make you more productive—it makes you more exhausted. I've skipped my lunch break many times only to find myself feeling completely worn out and unable to focus by late afternoon. It is definitely not worth skipping. Taking your lunch break is a matter of self-care and a big necessity. We need a real, intentional break in the middle of our day which can help us reset, recharge, and refocus, making the rest of the day more manageable and enjoyable. 

Let’s explore why lunch breaks matter and how you can make the most of them.

Why Your Lunch Break Matters

1. Boosts Your Productivity: Stepping away from work, even for 30 minutes, helps your brain rest and recharge, making you more effective when you return.
2. Reduces Stress: Taking time for yourself, especially if you can step outside or do something enjoyable, lowers stress levels and improves overall mood.
3. Supports Physical Health: Eating mindfully and giving your body time to relax during lunch can improve digestion and prevent burnout.

How to Reclaim Your Lunch Break

Here are some simple strategies to ensure your lunch break becomes a moment of restoration, not just another item on your to-do list:

1. Step Outside

• Spending even a few minutes outdoors can work wonders. Fresh air, sunlight, and a change of scenery can help you feel more grounded and refreshed.
• If your library is in a busy area, find a nearby park, or even take a quick stroll around the building.

2. Eat Mindfully

• Instead of rushing through your meal or multitasking, take the time to enjoy your food.
• Put away screens, savor each bite, and focus on how your meal tastes and feels. Mindful eating not only enhances your lunch experience but also aids digestion and reduces stress.

3. Journal or Reflect

• Use part of your lunch break to jot down your thoughts, reflect on your day so far, or set intentions for the rest of it.
• A small notebook or a journaling app can be a great companion for clearing your mind and boosting creativity.

4. Engage in a Relaxing Activity

• Listen to your favorite music or podcast, read a few pages of a book, or do a quick meditation.
• Activities like these can help you recharge without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.

5. Socialize (only if it’s energizing for you)

• If you enjoy connecting with coworkers, invite a colleague to join you for lunch or a short walk. Sharing a break can foster camaraderie and make your day feel lighter.

6. Protect Your Break Time

• Set boundaries to ensure you actually take your break. Let coworkers know you’re unavailable during lunch, and avoid checking work emails or tasks.

Making It a Habit

Reclaiming your lunch break starts with prioritizing it. Add it to your schedule like any other important appointment. Remember, you deserve this time to care for yourself—it’s not a luxury, but a critical part of staying balanced and effective in your work.

Share Your Lunch Break Wins

Do you have a favorite way to spend your lunch break? Whether it’s a mindful walk, a delicious meal, or a few moments of quiet, I’d love to hear your tips and experiences in the comments!

With Care & Concern,
the Compassionate Librarian