The Soothing Power of Music

28 January 2020. Port Vila, Vanuatu.

Daily meditation has taught me the power of music and how it calms my anxious thoughts. Besides subscribing to my favourite meditation and prayer apps (e.g., Headspace and Hallow, along with Medito and Pray-As-You-Go), which offer a lot of calming music that I enjoy, I also have a paid subscription to Spotify for myself and my family. Soon, I began curating songs that help soothe my nerves, and I listen to them on my headphones when I experience anxiety onset, that stage when the jitters come but they are not yet full-blown and uncontrollable feelings. 

In 2019, Thai artist Phum Viphurit released one of my “anxiety” anthems.  For one reason or another, the song’s lyrics, alongside its upbeat yet melancholic melody, bring me comfort.  The song starts with “Hello, Anxiety”, somehow indicating at least to me that anxiety is a friend, not an enemy. You don’t usually say hello to people you loathe.  You have more chances of saying hello to people you do not know than to those you hate. 

And the refrain seems to be written by me, for me.  Phum sings: 

Heaven knows you’re lost
But you’ll be fine
You’ll be fine
Heaven knows we’re lost
But the sun still shines
So we’ll be fine

“You will be fine” are four powerful words for me every time I have an anxiety attack.  As I practice deep breathing, I repeat those words over and over again.  This time around, I sing them with Phum’s melody, and it has twice its power. 

There are many other songs that have helped me manage my anxiety better. This includes Bukas Palad’s “All Shall Be Well”. Like “Hello Anxiety”, the music is upbeat but not disturbing. The melody has a lullaby feel to it, which actually soothes my throbbing nerves. The lyrics tell you that despite what happens to the world and to you, all will still be well.   

Too many broken forevers, too long has been this stormy weather
No more rainbows after rain, and no more healing from the pain

Yet all shall be well, all shall be well
You’ll see, all shall soon be well
All things, all men, all the world shall be well

Music may not work for some people, as I have known a friend who also has the same anxiety problems as I do, but feels more agitated when she listens to music.  It is then important to assess for yourself whether music can help you calm your anxious feelings and manage your anxious thoughts. I suggest a few steps below to find out how music can help you in your anxiety disorder.

1. Test your initial response. Begin by noticing how you react to music when played in a mall, a coffee shop, or a train.  Note down the genre or tempo that makes you stay calm and not agitated.  It can also be good to take a look at what other people recommend as music that has calming qualities, such as guitar and piano renditions of classics or those that have calming voice if you opt for something with vocals. As you listen, close your eyes and focus on your body’s reaction. Do you feel your breath slowing, your muscles relaxing, or your mind quieting? Or do you notice agitation, restlessness, or a desire to turn the music off? Be honest and attentive to these first instincts.
2. Experiment and find one that suits you. Experiment with different genres and tempos. Not all music has the same effect on everyone. Try a variety of genres—classical, jazz, acoustic, or even ambient sounds. You might discover that upbeat but gentle tunes (like those in “Hello Anxiety” or “All Shall Be Well”) work best, or perhaps you’ll find peace in the simplicity of instrumental or nature-inspired tracks. I remember the Korean TV series “Love Next Door” where one of the characters was an emergency responder.  Their office plays classical music to signal an emergency call, to the point that he hates classical music because it causes her undue distress. 
3. Reflect on lyrics and association. If you like music with vocals (including choral music, for example), try associating yourself with the lyrics and what it does to you.  Some songs may carry powerful messages of hope or reassurance, as you’ve found in Phum Viphurit’s and Bukas Palad’s music. Pay attention to how lyrics resonate with you. Do they provide comfort, validation, or positive distraction? Or do they evoke memories or associations that heighten your anxiety?
4. Start curating a playlist of those tracks that make you calm.  After this period of exploration, curate a playlist of songs that consistently bring you comfort or calm. Keep this playlist accessible, especially on days when anxiety feels overwhelming. Spotify and Apple Music is very handy here, as it also suggests similar tracks to the one that you are curating. 
5. Observe the effects during moments of anxiety. The next time you start to feel anxious, intentionally play your chosen songs along with practicing breathing exercises. Take note of any changes in your emotional state, heart rate, or thought patterns. Does the music help you breathe more deeply or slow down racing thoughts? Or does it amplify your discomfort?
6. Adapt and improve your playlist. Give yourself several weeks of using music intentionally as an anxiety management tool. If you find that certain songs, genres, or even the presence of music itself increases your agitation, don’t hesitate to adjust your approach. Remember, music is a deeply personal tool, and what soothes one person may not soothe another.  Over time, you’ll gather evidence as to whether music truly complements your self-care routine.