Play Music to Relieve Anxiety
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Play Music to Relieve Anxiety
If your student needs help relaxing and enjoys quieter music
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Soothing music or sounds can be good for many students when they are feeling anxious or need to relax before a test, sporting competition, performance or other potentially stressful activity. -
While everyone has favorite music type, it is important that the musical choice tempo best matches your current need at the time: get motivated before a sporting event with an upbeat temp vs soft tempo music to enable calm or concentration before bedtime or an exam.
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Avoid music with vocals when trying to focus, since the words compete with the need to focus on the current situation.
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Create different playlists of approximately 20 minutes each. Group together songs that will work for you in different situations such as "before the game", "before the test", and "bedtime".
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One of the best ways to calm a child (or adult) who is anxious or agitated is to play music from early childhood. Consider adding the songs parents played for you as a very young child to your playlist. Turn it on for a few minutes when you are upset or feeling anxious.
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One scientist researched calming music and created a playlist of the songs that reduced stress. Here is her Spotify playlist.
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Sounds also can be helpful for relaxation. An app such as Ambiance offers a variety of sounds, from nature scenes to animals to sporting events. Apps such as Sleep Pillow or Sleep Well, which feature relaxation techniques can also be helpful.