According to William Congreve, “Music hath charms to soothe the savage breast.” Indeed, people have long relied on music to help them unwind and relax. Music has been proven to have a calming influence on the body and mind and can aid in reducing anxiety, depression, and stress. Using music to improve one’s emotional, cognitive, physical, and social well-being is known as music therapy. It’s been used for centuries in a number of different cultures to encourage recovery and relaxation.
The first recorded mention of music therapy was made in a 1789 unsigned article titled “Music Physically Considered” in Columbian Magazine. Early in the nineteenth century, two medical dissertations contained writings on the therapeutic benefits of music. In the 1800s, systematic music therapy experiments, and the first known music therapy interventions were carried out. Here are three creative approaches to using music to unwind after a hard day:
1. Make Your Own Personal Playlist
After a long day, making a playlist of your favorite songs is a great way to relax. You can select tunes that you find calming or uplifting or that bring back good memories. You can also unwind by playing music while working on such everyday activities as cooking, cleaning, using CBD products, or taking a bath. For added relaxation, you might try listening to music while practicing yoga or meditation.
2. Use Binaural Beats
An additional useful technique for using music to relax is binaural beats. They entail listening to two distinct frequencies in each ear, which causes the brain to generate a third frequency that can aid in inducing relaxation. Although binaural beats are frequently used for sleep and meditation, you can also use them to just unwind after a stressful day.
3. Use Music as White Noise
The sound known as “white noise” is one that evenly distributes all the frequencies that can be heard with the human ear. It is quite frequently used to mask unwanted background noise, promote relaxation, and help one relax. Additionally, white noise can also be used to produce a relaxed environment.
You can also use natural sounds like ocean waves or rain to make the experience even more calming. You can feel calmer and more focused by including these sounds in your daily routine. While meditating, studying, or working, you might try playing white noise, nature sounds, or even instrumental music in the background. This can assist you in reducing interruptions and establishing a serene setting that encourages concentration and relaxation.
In conclusion, listening to music can help you unwind and reduce stress. Three creative approaches to using music to help you unwind after a long day include making a playlist of your favorite songs, experimenting with binaural beats, and using music as white noise.
If you’re looking for music to help you unwind and relax, you can find various playlists specifically intended to help you relax and reduce your stress levels on different streaming services. Several YouTube channels play calming music. You can also find royalty-free music for meditation and relaxation on websites that offer these services.
