Self-Care: Tapping into Music

Did you know that listening to your favorite music can quickly have a positive impact on your mood? Whether you enjoy classical, jazz, country, hymns, or rock n’ roll, favorite tunes cause your brain to release mood-stabilizing hormones, leading to greater mental focus and an overall lower stress level.

If you’re having a tough day and feeling mentally strained, allow yourself a brain break.  Press pause on your thoughts and listen to two or three songs that bring a smile to your face. Sing along or dance while listening – whatever feels most natural for you.

Including music in your daily routine is one way that you can care for yourself while caring for your loved one.  This self-care strategy will have a positive impact on your wellbeing and the care you provide for your loved one.

In addition to music being a helpful way to recenter your thoughts as a caregiver, it can also be a powerful tool in your caregiver toolbelt. Studies have shown that music stimulates brain activity in a way that can help reduce anxiety and agitation in dementia patients.  The same can be true for many other conditions. Music can trigger happy memories, help reduce combativeness, and contribute to a positive shift toward a less stressful dynamic in your home.

Helpful Tips

• Practice increases the positive impact.
  Making music a part of your self-care routine and incorporating it into your time with your loved one daily or multiple times each week can help both of you receive the greatest benefit.
• Plan ahead.
  Ask your loved one their favorite style of music or test out several styles at different times to see which style your loved one responds to most positively. It’s best to figure this out before stress levels rise.
• Get ready to stream.
  If you have a membership to a music streaming service (such as Spotify, Amazon, Apple or Pandora) you can search for key words and playlists based off of you and your loved one’s preferred music styles. Be sure to save or favorite a few playlists for you as well as a few for your loved one. That way, you’ll have a few go-to lists ready.
• Bookmark online resources.
  If you don’t have a music streaming membership, there are a variety of free music resources available to the public.  Specific songs and playlists can be accessed online through a Google search or a search on YouTube’s website. If you find a song or playlist that you like, be sure to bookmark the website so that you can easily find it in the future.

Music is unique because of the way that it engages our brain and stimulates our emotions. As a caregiver, it can be a powerful self-care tool that provides a much-needed mood boost. Take a few moments today to create a calm environment or spark a joy-filled memory for you and your loved one with a favorite tune.