Feel the Beat, Find Your Calm—The Healing Power of Music

Music isn’t just background noise—it’s a full-on mood magician, a stress-buster, and sometimes even a lifesaver. From the beats that make you dance like nobody’s watching to the melodies that help you cry it out, music has a way of reaching the parts of us that words can’t. According to Jen Soriano,, musician and author of Nervous: Essays on Heritage and Healing, science is finally catching up to what we’ve always felt—music makes us feel good for a reason. Soriano breaks down the fascinating science behind how the healing power of music rewires our brains, lifts our spirits, and even promotes recovery.

But this isn’t just a playlist recommendation list—it’s a guide to turning up the volume on self-care and finding harmony in your daily routine.

Why Music Feels Like Magic

Music has a direct line to our emotions, and it’s not just about the lyrics or melody. Soriano explains that music influences us on multiple levels—physiological, emotional, and even social. “Melody, pitch, rhythm, tempo, and volume all interact with our brain chemistry,” she says. “They stimulate emotional centers and chemical processes that can trigger feelings ranging from joy to sadness to empowerment.”

Listening to music we love activates the brain’s reward center, releasing dopamine—the same chemical linked to pleasure and motivation. Even more fascinating, Soriano points out that music can reduce physical pain by stimulating the release of endorphins and opioids, our body’s natural painkillers. It’s not just emotional; it’s biological.

Music: The Original Mood Booster

Music’s impact goes far beyond mood-boosting playlists. Soriano reveals that music can act as a form of therapy, helping with both mental and physical health. Studies show that music reduces anxiety and blood pressure in pregnant women, enhances caregiver bonding with babies, and even promotes brain plasticity in older adults, reducing memory loss.

“Music can literally sync our hearts with others,” Soriano says. “When we listen to live music, our bodies physically harmonize through a process called entrainment. It’s like collective therapy for the nervous system.” This isn’t just feel-good fluff—listening to and creating music is a full-brain workout that boosts dopamine, oxytocin, and endorphins, helping us heal from the inside out.

Turn Up the Feel-Good Vibes

You don’t need to be a musician to let music work its magic in your life. Soriano offers practical tips for weaving music into even the busiest schedules:

• Morning Vibes Only: Start your day with an upbeat playlist instead of the news to set a positive tone.
• Wind Down, Tune In: Use calming music or noise-canceling headphones to create a “music cocoon” for relaxation before bed.
• Dance Like Nobody’s Watching: Set a 5-minute timer, blast your favorite song, and move your body—instant mood lift.
• Soundtrack Your Stress: Soriano swears by Beyoncé’s “Break My Soul” to lift heavy emotions. Pick your anthem and let it play on repeat.
• Jam Through the Chores: Make tasks like folding laundry or paying bills more fun by adding music that motivates you.

The Feel-Good Playlist: 5 Musical Moves That Heal

Soriano believes small changes can create big shifts in our well-being. Here’s her “Feel-Good Playlist” for sustainable musical habits that soothe the soul:

1. Build Mood-Boosting Playlists. Organize playlists for studying, relaxing, and celebrating life’s moments.
2. Say Yes to Live Music. Go to concerts, open mics, or even pause to enjoy a street performer’s set. Shared experiences amplify joy.
3. Try Sound Therapy. Experiment with binaural beats or Safe and Sound therapy to calm your nervous system.
4. Chant It Out. Use chants like “Om” to activate long exhales and bring calm to your day.
5. Feel All the Feels. Let music guide you through tough emotions by giving yourself space to process sadness, joy, or reflection through sound.

Music as Meditation: Your Personal Sound Sanctuary

Music doesn’t have to be loud to make an impact. Soriano suggests using music as a mindfulness practice by listening intentionally. In the morning, swap the news for calming sounds to set your intentions. At night, let gentle melodies signal your body to relax.

For deeper reflection, try pairing music with movement. “Take 5 minutes to dance or just sway—it engages the brain’s motor circuits and naturally lifts your mood,” Soriano says. Music can also guide emotional processing. “When grieving, create space to listen to songs that bring up memories or sadness. Facing emotions with music can help you move through them.”

Hit Play on Healing: Your Go-To Soundtrack for Wellness

When asked for quick-fix tips for those feeling stuck, Soriano’s answer is simple—dance breaks. “Music activates parts of the brain tied to movement. It’s almost impossible not to feel better after dancing to a favorite song,” she says.

For those looking to take their music practice further, she suggests creating personalized playlists for different needs—focus, relaxation, motivation—and keeping them organized for easy access. She also recommends exploring music therapy resources through organizations like The American Music Therapy Association.

Final Notes: Don’t Underestimate the Power of a Good Tune

“Music is one of the most accessible, affordable, and renewable tools we have for well-being,” Soriano says. “It’s easy to filter out music as background noise, but when we pause to really listen, music reminds us we’re connected—to ourselves, to each other, and to something bigger.”

So, whether you’re dancing in the kitchen, chanting in meditation, or letting a favorite song pull you through tough emotions, music is always there—ready to heal, inspire, and elevate your life.