While I was scrolling social media the other day, I read a question one follower posed to an author. The questions asked for examples of self-care other than a bubble bath. I giggled because I get it, especially in Florida the idea of slipping into a hot bathtub isn’t always welcome.
But the question caught my attention because I too have found myself pondering realistic self-care ideas, ones that are doable, affordable and impactful.
As a person who tends to focus on helping and meeting the needs of others, self-care doesn’t come naturally to me. I’ve had to learn ways to intentionally fill my own cup, so I have the emotions and energy to fill the cups of those around me.
A simple and free, self-care practice I’ve been loving is music!
It doesn’t matter what mood I’m in or how awful my day has been, when I hear the right song, it has the power to completely change my mood.
As I continue to navigate living with anxiety, I’ve discovered music is a favorite tool to de-stress, care for and invest in my own wellbeing.
Curating the Perfect Playlist
Myquillyn Smith, author and hospitality expert, suggests making music playlists for every season. She says one of the best ways to welcome each season is by filling our homes with sounds that remind us of favorite memories and traditions. My family has loved this practice and truly enjoyed working together to curate our favorite songs for every season.
I’ve taken Myquillyn’s advice one step further and started making playlists for many occasions, not just the season changes. In addition to our Fall and Christmas playlists we now have one for driving to sports practice, learning memory verses, our favorite Beach Boys songs, writing and more.
When I play the kids sports list it helps us all get pumped up and energized for game day. When I play my favorite album for writing, coupled with my favorite hot beverage, my mind shifts from whatever I was doing and transports me into a creative mindset.
I’ve also started turning to music to help pull me out of being consumed by my stress and to refocus my thoughts and energy. Sometimes that means music I can turn up, dance, and sing along to; other times it’s quieter, instrumental music to usher my heart into a more reflective state.
In just the last few months I’ve rekindled my interest in playing piano. Playing has been a welcomed retreat from many a stress filled moments. Last summer we purchased a used piano for our boys to start lessons, I didn’t know then that after a nearly 25-year hiatus from playing, I would find such joy and peace from playing music myself.
Biblical Examples of Using Music to Refocus
The bible has a lot to say about music and singing, I mean the entire book of Psalms is basically music and poetry addressing a wide range of human emotions. The bible discusses singing for joy but also gives us examples of people singing when facing insurmountable difficulties.
Acts 16 tells us of Paul and Silas being stripped, beaten and imprisoned. At a moment when most would feel discouraged, angry and broken, we find Paul and Silas praying and singing.
What a powerful example of using music and song to redirect our focus from our circumstance towards our sovereign Father.
How has music helped you navigate difficult circumstances and emotions? I hope you find the perfect song today to minister to your heart in the exact way you need.
If you missed my post from a month ago on disrupting anxious thoughts through prayer – read it here!
Here are links to some of my playlists, most are on Amazon Music because my life is basically brought to you by Amazon. Feel free to use them as a starting point to build your own playlists on whatever music platform works best for you. I’d love a link to some of your own playlists! Share them in the comments section below.
Kim’s Playlists:
- Kid’s Sports
- Autumn
- Kid’s Memory Verses (I did this one on YouTube during the pandemic so the kids could dance and do the motions along with the songs)
- Christmas Favorites