Finding time to relax is one of the most challenging things as a mom. We are constantly busy and expected to deal well with kids all of the time. Sometimes we just need a breather, but it is hard to get away. We feel and see a lot of pressure to take "me time" but often don't realistically have a way to squeeze it in — mostly because we've been fed the lie that "self-care" is only composed of face masks and bubble baths. But truthfully, self-care can take many forms, and one that is often underestimated? Music.
Music is a powerful tool that we have at our disposal when it comes to our mood. It can lift us up. It can relax us. If you find the right music, it can often do whatever you need it to do. My entire approach to self-care changed the moment I "reintroduced" music into my life, and not just for me but my kids as well.
Although music is a more unconventional form of self-care, it is a powerful one.
According to a 2013 study in the Journal of Positive Psychology, people could boost their moods by listening to upbeat music over the course of two weeks. The World Journal of Psychiatry’s 2015 study took things a step further with its conclusion that music therapy can treat some mood disorders and reduce anxiety and depression while improving self-esteem, mood, and quality of life.
Music can literally make us happier.
Music has always been a significant part of my life.
I grew up playing instruments and latched onto musicals when I was young. I used dancing to upbeat music as a form of exercise as a teen and delighted in choosing just the right songs for my wedding. When I became a mom, I mostly stopped listening to my own music. Kids’ activities and their preference for Disney songs took over for a while.
Then, I had a revelation one tense morning when the kids weren’t eating their breakfast and I was losing my mind.
I put on some Frank Sinatra ballads, and the tension I didn’t realize I was holding immediately drained from my shoulders. I was able to remember to take some deep breaths and get past the sour mood.
Mom’s mood has the power to affect everyone. It is a big responsibility and one that I take seriously. If I can pull myself out of a bad mood through music, I will take the opportunity to do so as often as possible.
Different kinds of music can do other things for me.
When I’m doing dishes, I love having my Aqua station on. Don’t judge; I’m an 80s baby, so Aqua is pretty awesome. I love having music that I can sing along with and shake my hips to while doing dishes or cleaning the kitchen. If I really need to dance, I will throw on "I Wanna Dance with Somebody" by Whitney Houston or some Shakira.
Anything with a good beat will help me move. I also love using dance parties to get the kids up and moving if they're in a funk or just need some exercise.
Sometimes I just need to belt it out.
Soundtracks are great for this and usually provide that emotional punch I'm looking for in times like these. Break out your favorite movie, TV show, or Broadway soundtrack. I love the songs from Wicked and Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist for when I really need to sing.
If you have a bit more time, I find that musicals can have the same effect. Whether I’m watching a classic movie or a modern musical TV show, these shows with singing and dancing just make me feel good.
If the kids and I are having a bad day, music can be so helpful for all of us.
We have now gotten to the point where the kids will request oldies to dance or Sinatra for something calming. They have come to accept my music that they heard when they were infants and I danced with them — before they started having opinions on it. They enjoy having it in the background when doing things around the house now.
Music is a valuable but often unused tool that I used to forget. I'm so glad it has made its way back into our lives daily. It just makes you feel good. Whether it's a dance party or listening to something soothing, music has the power to help us feel better when we're feeling lousy.
