If you were left struggling during quarantine, you’re not alone.

The CDC reported a significant growth in the number of people who reported feelings of anxiety and depression between April and June of 2020, compared to the same time period in 2019. Younger adults, racial/ethnic minorities, essential workers, and unpaid adult caregivers were more at-risk for mental health concerns, as many people in these groups reported having experienced disproportionately worse mental health outcomes, increased substance use, and elevated suicidal ideation during the thick of quarantine.

But what if we told you music could help you manage your stress and even boost your mood? It’s absolutely possible. Music is a great way for the artist to express themself, but also a great way to express and channel your own moods and emotions, including stress. Here are a few ways you can use music as a stress management tool:

What’s on your playlist?

Is your playlist filled with slow, sad songs? If so, you might find yourself feeling down and thinking about sad situations.

If you’re wanting to use music to relax, make sure your playlist includes songs that have a slow tempo. This will quiet your mind and relax your muscles, which will help release stress from your day. If you spend a significant amount of time in a relaxed position while listening to calming songs, you may even induce sleep!

Do you play an instrument? Use it for stress relief!

It’s true— the U.S. National Library of Medicine claims that playing the keyboard lowers cortisol levels and decrease a person’s anxiety. The study they included found that people who play piano benefitted from greater stress reduction than those who chose to read magazines or work on puzzles. Why? Not only were these participants focused on something else, but an instrument also provides an aesthetic appeal that verbal communication nor challenging puzzles can provide. Playing the piano can allow those struggling with depression to see themselves in a different light, which is an important step in treating clinical depression.

Find that sense of accomplishment

Maybe you don’t know how to play any instruments— that’s okay! You can still find a musical outlet by playing an instrument. Finding that sense of accomplishment can turn your week around— it sure does for me! It helps you develop positive self-regard, which may lead you to feel more engaged in your work or projects, and inspire you to work harder to become more proficient at the skill or project.

I’d love to help you find that sense of accomplishment through Piano in a Flash— check out the rest of the website to learn more about what could become your piano journey.

So… how are you going to start incorporating music into your self-care routine?