Turn It Up: How Music and Singing Calm Anxiety

Anxiety has this sneaky way of blasting its own playlist in your head: overthinking, racing thoughts, and that awkward replay of something embarrassing you said in 2014. But here’s the good news—you can drown it out. Music and singing aren’t just fun; they’re scientifically proven to calm anxious brains.

Why Music Helps

• Studies show that listening to music can reduce anxiety levels by up to 65%. (That’s basically a free therapist in your headphones.)

• Singing—yes, even if you sound like a dying cat—releases endorphins and oxytocin, which are the same “happy chemicals” that help lower stress and build connection.

• One study found that choir singing boosted mood and reduced symptoms of depression more effectively than just listening alone. Translation: shower concerts count as group therapy if your neighbors can hear you.

How to Use Music as an Anxiety Tool

1. Pick Your Power Songs – Make a playlist of tracks that make you feel unstoppable (Not gonna lie, I'm singing Golden from Kpop Demon Hunters rn!).

2. Sing Out Loud – Singing forces deep breathing, which naturally signals your nervous system to calm down.

3. Move With It – Add some goofy dancing. Science calls it “exercise,” but I call it “pretending I’m in a music video no one asked for.”

An Uplifting Playlist to Get You Started 🎶

Here’s a starter pack for your next anxious moment. Feel free to add your favorites!

• Happy – Pharrell Williams

• Walking on Sunshine – Katrina & The Waves

• Shake It Out – Florence + The Machine

• Can’t Stop the Feeling – Justin Timberlake

• Good as Hell – Lizzo

• Brave – Sara Bareilles

• Don’t Stop Believin’ – Journey

• Stronger – Kelly Clarkson

• Dog Days Are Over – Florence + The Machine

• I Wanna Dance With Somebody – Whitney Houston

The Bottom Line

Music is medicine you don’t need a prescription for. Whether you’re listening, belting your heart out, or dancing like nobody’s watching (even though your dog definitely is), it’s one of the easiest, fastest ways to pull yourself out of an anxious spiral.

So the next time anxiety tries to DJ your brain, just remember—you’ve got the aux cord.

- Always anxious 🤍