As we usher in another year, many of us may feel a bit burnt out on the traditional New Year’s resolutions of self-improvement. Especially during troubled times, these can feel like a counterproductive reminder of all our shortcomings. What’s more, many people need time to recover from holiday stress and to-do lists before taking on self-discipline projects. But there’s more than one way to improve your quality of life, and this year, self care may be among the best New Year’s resolutions you can make.

Self care is not a luxury, but a necessity for mental health that can be life-improving and even life-saving. Self-compassion is an essential aspect of self care, and it emphasizes the importance of being kind to oneself rather than setting unrealistic goals. One way to be good to yourself while also discovering new interests is to incorporate music into your self care practices. Here’s why listening to more music is a self care New Year’s resolution you can actually look forward to.

Why Music Is an Excellent Form of Self Care

Music has a profound impact on our well-being. Research shows that music can stimulate the body’s natural feel-good chemicals, like endorphins and oxytocin. It can help manage stress, express feelings, enhance memory, and even alleviate pain. Therapeutic music can significantly reduce anxiety, increase self-awareness, and promote overall mindfulness. In addition to all of this, finding an artist or band that can channel or speak to your emotions in acute ways can be a life-affirming reminder that many others have felt how you feel.

Ways to Incorporate Music in Your Self Care Practices

Here are some ways to harness the healing power of music as part of your self care habits this year: 

• Be mindful of your selections. Rather than putting your music on shuffle, select specific songs, albums, or playlists that you know can help you cope positively. This doesn’t mean that everything has to be upbeat; in fact, sometimes just the opposite can be the best antidote to psychological stressors. Carefully choose the music that can best help you process your state of mind.

• Create an SOS playlist. Consider creating an “SOS” playlist filled with songs that have a significant and positive association for you. This playlist can serve as a quick mood booster whenever you need it. 

• Try a calming tempo. For moments when you need to slow down, create a playlist with songs that have a tempo between 60-80 bpm, which is the average resting heart rate. 

• Listen to music with others. You can amplify and share the healing power of music by listening to it with like-minded friends, loved ones, and even strangers. Consider throwing a “self care party” for your friends and creating a mix of everyone’s favorite songs. Alternatively, attend some local concerts and enjoy the fact that everyone in the space shares your love of a particular artist or band.

Start the New Year Off (Self-) Compassionately With Main Street Crossing

If you’re looking for ways to include music in your self care rituals in the new year, check out live music performances at Main Street Crossing.

Main Street Crossing in Tomball, Texas is one of the best small music venues in the Houston metro area. This unique nonprofit in a historical venue hosts country, Americana, folk, blues, and other types of music artists in an intimate setting: the furthest seat is only 45 feet from the stage. MSC also offers food, beverages, table service, and community seating, making it easier to interact with fellow concertgoers and even performing artists. Parking is convenient and stress-free.

Main Street Crossing additionally functions as a multi-use venue for church services, concerts, and more located in Tomball. Check out our event calendar and enjoy entertainment in support of good causes!