Music is more than just entertainment; research shows it can strongly affect our mood, behaviour, and even our physiology. The right tune can help you unwind, concentrate, or boost your motivation.
As a Certified Music Therapist, I’ve seen firsthand how the right sounds can reduce stress, increase energy, and improve focus.
How Music Impacts You, According to Science
- Stress reduction: Clinical studies show that music therapy lowers cortisol, the hormone linked to stress. Listening to calming music at work can reduce anxiety and support mental health.
- Physical effects: Research notes that music can slow heart rate and lower blood pressure, and/or reduce anxiety.
- Emotional responses: Well-known songs can stir up strong memories or feelings. Less familiar instrumental music offers better focus or relaxation.
- Consistency helps: Studies in workplaces or classrooms demonstrate that steady, neutral background music supports concentration. Stress levels remain lower throughout the day.
- Support for children or families: Music therapy can benefit all ages. It can help children improve their focus, patience, social skills, and self-expression. Families can also experience better communication and moods by making music a part of their daily routines.
Carefully choosing music sets the tone for your space, supporting well-being through proven methods.
How to Curate Playlists for Group Environments
- Choose instrumental, less familiar music: Music without lyrics avoids distractions or emotional reactions. Genres like contemporary classical, ambient, acoustic, or soft electronic align with studies or professional guidelines as strong choices.
- Match music to your task: Calming, steady music (around 60–70 beats per minute) often promotes focus or deep work. Slower, softer sounds foster stress relief.
- Update your playlists: Refresh selections seasonally or whenever seeking a mental boost.
- Switch up music by time of day: Gentle music fit
‘s the morning’s pace and can help give gentle energy boosts, while more upbeat tracks in the afternoon can maintain energy and avoid energy crashes.
How This Supports Productivity and Well-Being
- Improve focus or productivity: Calm, steady music (especially instrumental or ambient) keeps you on track at work or during study.
- Promote relaxation: Research shows that relaxing music before bed improves sleep quality.
- Boost mood: Uplifting or calming music can support mental balance and resilience while also enhancing communication.
Music therapy can also serve people with pain, aid recovery, and lessen symptoms of depression or anxiety.
Sound Design at Harrison
Harrison places immense value on creating a welcoming and calming environment. The clinic uses a <carefully curated playlist> to create a soothing, relaxing atmosphere, promoting comfort and tranquility throughout the space.
Harrison’s approach to sound design reflects a thoughtful and scientific commitment to creating an optimal environment for both clients and staff. By carefully selecting music that avoids lyrics or overly familiar tunes, the clinic minimizes the chance of negative emotional triggers or distractions. This aligns with earlier insights on how personalized auditory environments can positively influence stress, focus, and overall well-being, fostering a space that prioritizes care in every detail.
Take Charge of Your Listening Environment
To design a listening environment tailored to your needs, curate playlists that align with your objectives. Experiment with various tempos and genres to discover what resonates most effectively. For a science-backed approach, consider tracks proven to change your mood such as those that foster relaxation or make you feel happy.
Embrace the transformative power of music as a proven tool to enhance well-being, and observe how this intentional practice enriches your daily life with greater balance and harmony.
About the Author
Janelle Miller is a familiar face at the front desk of Harrison’s Mission Centre in Calgary. Beyond her welcoming presence, she brings a wealth of expertise, having earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Music Therapy from Capilano University in North Vancouver. She has worked with youth and adults, helping them navigate a variety of social and medical challenges. Her compassion and dedication shine through in her ability to thoughtfully create environments where everyone walking through the doors can feel at ease.
Janelle’s passion for music therapy extends to all Harrison Centres, where she has thoughtfully curated dynamic playlists that adapt to the time of day, enhancing the atmosphere for both clients and staff.
