Music is not only the universal language of love; it is also an outlet that can help soothe your anxiety, even the sad songs. Whenever panic starts to settle in, I blast my tunes throughout the house, not caring who is listening to what, and it really helps me transfer my focus from the tumbleweed in my head to the beats surrounding me.
We asked our community to share with us the songs that have helped them with their anxiety, along with the reasons behind them. Here are some of the responses, along with the entire Spotify playlist linked below.
14 Songs That Can Help with Anxiety
1. Mystery of Love – Sufjan Stevens
The song’s production and Sufjans’s voice are really calming. It’s also from one of my favorite movies, Call Me by Your Name. I’m reminded of the movie every time I listen to it, and it never fails to relax me. —Ahad
2. Slow Dancing in the Dark – Joji
I love submerging myself into this song whenever I need a break. It has a very definitive build-up, followed by a soothing ending which never fails to pull me out of any anxiety-inducing situation I’m in. —Chetna
3. Walk Across the Water – The Black Keys
I have a lot of anxiety because I’m currently single. But I don’t want to date someone just to fill that void. Even though I want to love myself first, I feel like no one else will ever love me. However, this song makes me feel like there is someone out there who would do the impossible for me, like walking across the water. —A
4. Chaiyya Chaiyya – Sukhwinder Singh
As absurd as it may sound, this song really helps me keep going throughout my day. It keeps the anxiety at bay, which usually creeps up on me when I’m doing my daily, mundane chores. —Dale
5. Ghaib – Parvaaz
The lyrics of this song mean a lot to me, especially the bit that says Ye khauf kya, ye bair kya. Gar t jaza, to maut kya. Israar jo, hai kaifiya. I personally feel my anxiety is a battle that I'm fighting with myself. These lyrics always calm me down, and encourage me to move past my struggles. —Sujay
6. Siberian Breaks – MGMT
It feels like this whole mysterious journey, accompanied by soothing instrumentals and vocal harmonies. It’s a song that could take you out of any bad mood and put you into a complete state of calm. You really have to hear it to feel it. —Yash
7. Dawn Chorus – Thom Yorke
It’s one of Thoms’ most beautiful and strongest songs ever released. The little monologue, combined with synths and ambient sounds really leave an impact on the listener. —Aasheesh
8. Work Song – Hozier
Andrew’s voice and his poetic lyricism never fail to calm me down. The video is also very soothing to watch. —Krina
9. It Runs Through Me – Tom Misch
I was in a bar and I was stood up by a guy I really liked. The panic that settled in at that time was insane. Someone then requested this song to be played by the live band, and it instantly stuck to me. The light breezy tones and the general vibe of the song helped me calm down and ease up. The lyrics made uncertainty sound so pleasing. —Gargi
10. NFWMB – Hozier
I feel like the music isn’t that hard-hitting, it’s very slow and calming and that’s what makes it so good. The lyrics make me feel powerful. They help take my focus off what’s making me anxious at that moment. In addition, Hozier’s voice is always a plus. —Aakriti
11. To Build a Home – The Cinematic Orchestra
This song was sent to me by a friend when I was grieving for my mother. When I listen to it, all the wonderful moments I’ve shared with her start playing in my head like a reel of an old film. It makes me cry and calm down at the same time. —Nirwan
12. Yes I'm Changing – Tame Impala
When I first heard this song, I was recovering from a heartbreak. Falling asleep felt like a task. This song is what kept me going. When I was anxious, when I needed a good cry, and when I needed to sulk in my own thoughts. —Jagrit
13. Breathin’ – Ariana Grande
I watched an interview with Ariana talking about writing this song and how it was just her being brutally honest about the tougher times. It was comforting at some level to know that she goes through difficult times as well. The simplicity of the lyrics also makes me love it a lot! —Vritti
14. Toothpaste Kisses – The Maccabees
I don’t think there’s any song other than this one that never fails to soothe me down. —R
You can check the entire playlist out on our Spotify.
*Submissions have been edited and shortened for clarity.
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FAQs
Absolutely! Engaging in creative activities like composing, singing, or playing musical instruments can be therapeutic and provide a sense of emotional release. Expressing yourself through music allows you to channel your thoughts and emotions, which can be cathartic and help alleviate anxiety.
Music can have a calming and soothing effect on the mind and body. It can distract from anxious thoughts, evoke positive emotions, and promote relaxation. Listening to music can also trigger the release of endorphins, which are natural mood-boosting chemicals in the brain.
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