That familiar tightness in your chest, the racing thoughts – sometimes it feels like anxiety has its own soundtrack, right? But what if you could choose the music instead, tunes that actually help calm the storm inside?
I get it. Life can feel overwhelming. There are days when just getting out of bed feels like a win. Our founder, Stephen Montagne, knows this journey well. He’s faced his share of battles, from overcoming unhealthy habits like binge eating and gaming to losing over 110 pounds. He learned that finding moments of peace and building positive routines were key. And sometimes, a simple song can be a powerful anchor in that process.
Music has this incredible ability to shift our mood. It can be a gentle hand on your shoulder or a quiet space to retreat when the world gets too loud. So, if you’re looking for some auditory comfort, you’re in the right place. Let’s explore some songs that might just help you breathe a little easier.
Your Anxiety-Soothing Soundtrack
Finding the right music is personal. What calms one person might not work for another. But here’s a list of songs often praised for their soothing qualities. Think of this as a starting point. Explore them, see how they make you feel, and let them guide you to discover even more.
- "Weightless" by Marconi Union: This track was specifically designed with therapists to reduce anxiety, heart rate, and blood pressure. It’s like a sonic hug.
- "Clair de Lune" by Debussy: A timeless classical piece. Its gentle piano melody feels like watching moonlight dance on water. Pure calm.
- "Here Comes The Sun" by The Beatles: Sometimes, you just need a dose of optimism. This song is like a burst of sunshine on a cloudy day.
- "Three Little Birds" by Bob Marley: The message is simple and powerful: "Don't worry about a thing, 'cause every little thing gonna be all right."
- "Orinoco Flow" by Enya: Enya’s ethereal vocals and flowing melodies can transport you to a more peaceful place.
- "Holocene" by Bon Iver: This song has an atmospheric, almost melancholic calm. It’s perfect for quiet reflection.
- "Better Together" by Jack Johnson: Warm, comforting, and simple. It’s a reminder of the good things and the strength found in connection.
- "Landslide" by Fleetwood Mac: Gentle and reflective. Stevie Nicks’ voice is incredibly soothing, and the lyrics resonate with life’s changes.
- "The Sound of Silence" (Acoustic Version) by Simon & Garfunkel or Disturbed: The original is a classic. For some, the raw emotion in Disturbed's acoustic cover can also be surprisingly cathartic. Choose what feels right.
- "Gymnopédie No. 1" by Erik Satie: Minimalist and incredibly peaceful. It’s like musical meditation.
- "Golden Hour" by Kacey Musgraves: This song just feels good. It's light, airy, and has a gentle, happy vibe.
- "Riverside" by Agnes Obel: Hauntingly beautiful and deeply calming. Her voice and the simple piano create a serene soundscape.
- "St. Mykhail" by Stephan Moccio: A modern classical piece that’s both emotive and soothing. It’s wonderful for quiet contemplation.
- "Teardrop" by Massive Attack: The gentle heartbeat-like rhythm and ethereal vocals can be incredibly grounding for some.
Why Does Music Help So Much?
It’s not just in your head. Music genuinely impacts our brains and bodies. Slower tempos can calm your breathing and heart rate. Familiar melodies can trigger feelings of comfort and safety. Lyrics can offer validation or a new perspective.
Think about Stephen’s journey. When he was working to build healthier habits, like his focused 2-4 hour deep work sessions, do you think it was always easy? Probably not. But finding tools to manage stress and stay centered, whether it was prayer, gratitude, or even the right background music, made a difference. Music can be one of those simple, accessible tools for you too. It can provide a welcome distraction from racing thoughts, allowing your mind to settle.
Creating Your Own Calm
This list is just a suggestion. The best anxiety-relief playlist is the one you create for yourself.
- Notice how songs make you feel. Pay attention to your body. Does your breathing slow? Do your shoulders relax?
- Consider songs without lyrics. Sometimes, instrumental music is less distracting and more calming if your mind is already racing.
- Think about tempo. Slower songs are generally more relaxing, but sometimes an upbeat, positive song can lift your spirits.
- It’s okay if your taste is different. If heavy metal calms you down, then that’s your anxiety-relief music. No judgment here!
Stephen often talks about celebrating small wins. Creating a playlist of songs that genuinely help you feel better? That’s a small win. It’s a proactive step you can take to care for your well-being.
Beyond the Music: Building Your Toolkit
Music is a fantastic tool, but it’s often most effective as part of a larger approach to managing anxiety. Stephen found strength in his Christian Orthodox faith and a deeper connection with God. He built routines, practiced daily gratitude, and focused on small, consistent actions.
What other small things bring you peace?
- A short walk in nature?
- Deep breathing exercises?
- Journaling your thoughts?
- Talking to a trusted friend?
These don’t have to be huge, time-consuming activities. Just like Stephen’s short bursts of deep work proved more effective than long, draining hours, small moments of self-care can add up. Maybe listening to one calming song is your first step. Then, perhaps you pair it with a few minutes of quiet prayer or writing down three things you're grateful for.
Anxiety can feel isolating, but you're not alone in this. We all have our struggles. The key is to find what helps you navigate them. Music is a beautiful, accessible starting point.
So, what’s one song that always makes you feel a little bit calmer? Maybe you can listen to it today and take a moment just for yourself. You deserve that peace.
