Music for Mental Hygiene (Revisited)
April 2024 - LaBarron Burwell
(This article was originally published in April 2024 in the FEAP Newsletter)
Mental hygiene is about tending to our mental health with the same care and attention we give to our physical well-being. Just as we brush our teeth and shower to maintain cleanliness, nurturing our mental health through daily practices is vital for thriving. Mental Hygiene practices allow us to cultivate resilience and well-being, optimizing our capacity for happiness, productivity, and connection.
Mental hygiene is about tending to our mental health with the same care and attention we give to our physical well-being. Just as we brush our teeth and shower to maintain cleanliness, nurturing our mental health through daily practices is vital for thriving. Mental Hygiene practices allow us to cultivate resilience and well-being, optimizing our capacity for happiness, productivity, and connection.
How Music Therapy Playlist Supports Mental Hygiene
Emotional Regulation
Listening to music tailored to our emotions can help regulate mood and manage stress, providing a healthy outlet for processing emotions.
Stress Reduction
Engaging with soothing music can trigger the relaxation response, reducing levels of stress hormones and promoting a sense of calmness and tranquility.
Coping Support
Music can serve as a release from negative thoughts or difficult situations, offering a coping mechanism and fostering resilience.
Promotion of Positive Habits
Incorporating intentional listening habits into your routine encourages mindfulness and self-care, reinforcing positive mental hygiene practices.
Guide to Developing a Personalized “Music Therapy Playlist”
Step 1 - Awareness
Begin by fostering self-awareness. Acknowledge and recognize your current emotional state or mood. This introspective step encourages you to look inward and honestly assess how you're feeling in the present moment.
Step 2 - Intention
Add an intended outcome to your music therapy playlist. This shapes the purpose and direction of your listening experience. Consider what you hope to achieve or cultivate by immersing yourself in music that aligns with your emotional state.
Step 3 - Selection
Choose music from a variety of genres to elicit different emotional responses and serve diverse purposes. Here are seven genres and their "common" emotional outcomes:
Pop: Uplift spirits, boost energy, foster joy and optimism.
R&B: (Rhythm and Blues): Express love, longing, empowerment, or heartache.
Rap: Instill confidence, resilience, empowerment, or social consciousness.
Lo-fi (Low Fidelity): Create a relaxed and tranquil ambiance, promote focus, reduce stress or anxiety.
Classical: Evoke serenity, awe, melancholy, or introspection.
Nature Sounds: Promote relaxation, mindfulness, and connection to the natural world.
Please keep in mind these are "common" emotional responses, meaning it may not be the same for each person. That is why these playlists are personalized!
Example
WHEN I FEEL: Anxious
I LISTEN TO: Lo-Fi Beats
WITH INTENTION TO: Relax and Reduce Stress
Give it a Try with the Following Emotions
WHEN I FEEL: Anxious
I LISTEN TO: ?
WITH INTENTION TO: ?
WHEN I FEEL: Sad
I LISTEN TO: ?
WITH INTENTION TO: ?
WHEN I FEEL: Happy
I LISTEN TO: ?
WITH INTENTION TO: ?
WHEN I FEEL: Unfocused
I LISTEN TO: ?
WITH INTENTION TO: ?
WHEN I FEEL: Angry
I LISTEN TO: ?
WITH INTENTION TO: ?
Repeat this process for as many emotions as necessary to ensure a diverse selection of music. By doing so, you can create a personalized "Music Therapy Playlists" that address your specific emotional needs and goals effectively.
Reach out for Support
Check out this month’s FEAP-curated playlist in celebration of Jazz Appreciation Month, and note music is only one practice that will support your mental hygiene. Remember, if you're ever feeling overwhelmed and your well-being is suffering, FEAP is here. Our team of seasoned consultants is dedicated to equipping you with the tools to enhance your overall well-being.
Contact FEAP
FEAP (8am-5pm M-F): 434-243-2643 (uvafeap.com)
FEAP After-Hours Support: 434-243-2643
About the Author
LaBarron Burwell
LaBarron Burwell is a seasoned FEAP consultant specializing in wellness/well-being programming. Certified in wellness, mental health, and personal training, he emphasizes "Mental Hygiene" and holistic well-being. His well-rounded, Positive Intelligence-based approach makes him an engaging FEAP consultant for comprehensive support.