Looking for a soundtrack to relieve stress? Consider music therapy

From calming ragas to lo-fi beats, music therapy is helping young people manage stress, anxiety, and mood swings in an accessible, natural way. (Image: Pexels)

In a world where our phones rarely stop buzzing and deadlines loom large, many young people are turning to an unexpected source of calm — music therapy. More than just background noise, this practice uses rhythm, melody, and sound to ease stress, regulate emotions, and create a sense of balance. It’s not surprising that Gen Z and millennials are already heavy consumers of playlists and podcasts, and they prefer music therapy as a wellness tool that feels both natural and personal.

What is Music Therapy?

At its core, music therapy is the clinical and evidence-based use of music to achieve health and wellness goals. Certified therapists often use it to help patients cope with anxiety, depression, trauma, or chronic illness. But even outside a formal clinical setting, music can be used intentionally to influence mood and reduce stress. Unlike many wellness trends that feel intimidating or expensive, this one fits seamlessly into our daily lives via headphones and a good playlist that instantly adds a spring to your step.

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Notes to calm your mind

The science is simple yet fascinating, and it is proven that different notes, rhythms, and tempos stimulate the brain in unique ways. Slow, soothing compositions can lower heart rate and blood pressure, creating a meditative effect. Upbeat songs, on the other hand, release dopamine, the “feel-good” chemical, giving you an instant energy boost. Classical ragas, jazz improvisations, soft piano instrumentals, or even ambient electronic beats — all trigger different neurological responses that can shift our emotional state within minutes.

Using music for mood upliftment

If you want to explore music therapy, the trick lies in curating playlists that serve specific purposes. For focus, opt for instrumental tracks, lo-fi beats, or binaural sounds that reduce distractions. For relaxation, slow-tempo classical pieces, acoustic guitar, or traditional Indian ragas work beautifully.

Here are some ways to use music in your routine for better mood:

1.     Use music consciously rather than playing it passively in the background, tune in with intent. Put on calming tracks before bed, energizing beats before a workout, or grounding instrumentals while journaling. Over time, the brain associates certain songs or sounds with specific moods, making it easier to switch emotional gears when you need to.

2.     A simple ritual, like starting your morning with uplifting tracks instead of scrolling through social media, can set the tone for the day. Midday breaks with instrumental music help declutter the mind, while winding down with ambient or classical sounds encourages deeper, more restful sleep.

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3.     For long-term benefits, treat music like vitamins; small doses daily are more effective than a once-in-a-while binge. Consider using apps that provide therapeutic soundscapes, from ocean waves to Tibetan singing bowls, to guide meditation or relaxation sessions.

4.     With wireless headphones and streaming apps, your personal stress-relief kit is always with you. Curate travel playlists with soft jazz for train journeys, energizing beats for road trips, or calming instrumentals for flights. Even during commutes or hectic workdays, slipping into your musical bubble can act like a reset button for the brain.