Friday

"I tune in to what feels right today."

Welcome to Friday! Today, we're chatting about:

• How music can improve your health

• Your guide to making the perfect playlist

• How to fit mental health care into your busy life

• Easy ways to add music to your self-care routine

The Powerful Health Benefits of Music

Listening to music is both a fun pastime and can actually boost your health! From improving mood to aiding in pain management, music has an array of positive effects on both the mind and body.

Research shows that music can reduce stress by triggering stress reducers. Whether it’s the gentle rhythm of your favorite song or the upbeat tempo of a workout playlist, music has the ability to lower heart rate, blood pressure, and even reduce the stress hormone cortisol. It can help enhance serotonin and endorphin levels, giving you an overall sense of well-being.

On top of that, music is a powerful mood booster. Listening to music can help release dopamine, the brain’s “feel-good” hormone, helping to ease symptoms of anxiety and depression. It also has the ability to boost memory recall, making it a helpful tool for those with dementia or Alzheimer’s.

If you're looking for a simple way to improve your daily routine, consider turning on your favorite playlist. Whether you’re easing stress, improving workout endurance, or just enjoying a moment to yourself, music can be a therapeutic and effective self-care tool.

How to Craft the Perfect Playlist

Crafting a playlist is like curating your own personal soundtrack—it’s all about setting the right mood and vibe. The first step is to know the mood or purpose of your playlist. Are you making it for a chill evening, a workout session, or a road trip? Once you understand the purpose, it’s easier to choose songs that will fit the vibe and create a cohesive feel.

Next, focus on picking songs that immediately align with that feeling. Don’t overthink it—sometimes the most obvious choices are exactly what you need to guide the mood. Once you have your songs, arrange them thoughtfully. Think of your playlist as a journey, with a beginning, middle, and end. This structure helps maintain the energy and flow, keeping the listener engaged throughout.

Surprise is key in any good playlist. Introduce unexpected songs or hidden gems that complement the theme but add an element of discovery. This surprise factor takes your playlist beyond a random collection of songs and gives it a personal touch.

Finally, use your playlist as a form of self-expression. Whether it’s a playlist to motivate you, calm you, or get you through the day, your choices will reflect who you are. Let your playlist tell a story about your current state of mind and, of course, have fun with it!

Mental Health Care That Actually Fits Your Schedule

Brightside is a best-in-class online mental health service, recognized by such sites as Forbes, Yahoo! & more. Their patients have access to both prescription inclusive psychiatry & weekly therapy sessions to help them see their mental health improve, fast. In fact, 86% of their patients feel significantly better within just 3 months.

With appointments as soon as tomorrow & insurance accepted, there is no need to put your mental & emotional health on hold any longer — Vist Brightside.com today.

Thank you to Brightside Health for sponsoring Note To Self. 

Simple Ways to Use Music for Self-Care

Music isn't just something you listen to for entertainment; it can be a powerful tool for self-care. Whether you're dealing with stress, emotional overload, or just need a mood boost, music has the ability to transform your emotional state and promote well-being.

A great way to begin incorporating music into your self-care routine is by finding a song or lyric that speaks to you. Adopt it as your personal anthem and repeat it whenever you need encouragement or a mood lift. The right song can provide a comforting reminder of your own strength.

For a quick emotional reset, sing your favorite song in the shower. Singing out loud is an easy, freeing way to release frustration and anxiety. If you're looking for something more calming, take a moment to hum a melody to yourself for 30-45 seconds. The vibrations in your chest and the slow, deep breathing will help reduce stress and increase focus.

Music also has the power to enhance your physical wellness. Playing upbeat tunes during exercise can boost your energy and endurance, making the workout feel easier and more enjoyable. Similarly, rhythmic activities like tapping your foot or clapping your hands can help you feel more grounded and centered. With simple practices like these, music becomes more than just background noise; it becomes a vital part of your self-care toolkit.

Wellness Round-Up

Parting Thoughts

• ✅ True or False: True. Music can shape mood, bias perception, and even affect decision-making.

• 🙋🏼‍♀️ Snapshot Of The Day: We'd love to see moments from our readers’ lives that they are proud of! If you recently accomplished an achievement, experienced a joyful moment, or are proud of a picture you have taken, be sure to capture it on camera and send it to us for a chance to be featured next week! 

• 💭 Final Self-Care Thoughts for Today: Music can shift your whole mood. One song, one sound, can ground you, lift you, or take you somewhere new.

Enjoying Note to Self?

Know of a great self-care tip or article you'd love to share with the community? Want to send us pictures of you completing one of your self-care rituals? Email us at [email protected]!