How Music Can Help Manage Anxiety
Anxiety can show up in our lives in subtle ways. Do you get racing thoughts, a pounding heart, or the feeling that something bad is about to happen? While therapy and mindfulness are important, an underrated tool that many people overlook is music.
Let’s explore how music helps manage anxiety from a scientific and emotional perspective.
The Neuroscience Behind Music & Anxiety Relief:
Our brains are wired to respond to music. Studies using MRI scans show that certain types of music directly affect the brain’s fear and stress centre. Music can also activate the prefrontal cortex, the decision-making region of the brain, promoting a sense of control and stability.
Listening to calming music slows down your heart rate, reducing blood pressure, and shifting your body from a fight or flight state into rest and digest mode.
Why Music Works:
Music provides a cognitive “anchor” to pull your focus away from anxious thoughts and distractions
The body syncs into the tempo of the music to slow down your breathing and heart rate
Songs can validate how you’re feeling, helping you process and release emotions
Genres That Soothe:
- Ambient
- Lo-fi Chill Beats
- Instrumental Jazz and Soft Piano
- Classical
How to Use Music Mindfully for Anxiety:
- Set the scene with dim lights and no distractions
- Sync breathing with deep breathing exercises
- Use playlists intentionally for grounding and emotional release
- Try guided music meditation