It’s no secret that music often has a huge impact on how we feel. It can resonate with joy, excitement, sadness, and even calmness. Music is definitely one of my go-to’s when I am feeling stressed and need a little help relaxing. Personally, since I have played the trumpet for many years, I often find soft, rich melodies very relaxing.

I wanted to share a list of my 6 favorite songs that I use to help me relax. They are a medley of many different styles of music so hopefully everyone will find at least one song helpful. 

If you are interested, here is the link to the playlist of all of the songs in one place. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8H_Hx3t2jlCiCzlnNQ_ffFDL9lb9ILgQ

Now, in no particular order…

1. “Hallelujah,” written by Leonard Cohen

talk about a song full of emotion…talk about harmony possibilities….

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qt2FWAbXinY

2. “Glorious,” by David Archuleta, covered by Lexi Walker

This song is from the movie Meet the Mormons. I’m not Mormon but I still find this song very inspiring, especially when you are feeling stressed about figuring out your future (ex: with school, jobs, and other major decisions)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvF7cIvuov0

3. theme from October Sky, composed by Mark Isham

This is a decent, interesting movie, but not my favorite. Yet, I have probably listened to this song a hundred times. The strings are stunning.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ru-ho1ZZj-4

4. “Serenade  No. 10  in B-flat for 13 Winds” (3rd movement), by Mozart

This song is definitely for my fellow band and orchestra nerds out there. The song was made famous by the movie Amadeus, a somewhat fictional take on Mozart’s life and death. Mozart is one of my favorite classical composers because I find his music to be full of so much emotion. You can almost feel what Mozart was feeling when he wrote the music. I find this song in particular exquisitely beautiful and the oboe is perfection.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X7jEpsgpPLQ

5. “Chillout,” by Ze Frank

I use this song when I am feeling extra tense and need something to help me take some deep breaths and regain focus with reality, rather than cognitive distortions. Ze Frank is famous for his online videos and other content. If you are wondering what on Earth you are listening to in this song I recommend checking out this TEDTalk he gave (http://youtu.be/3gSSNHO1dDs). The story about the song begins at around 12:15

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XqWofBdhT2k

6. theme from Jurassic Park, composed by John Williams

I fell in love with this song after playing it in orchestra. It is difficult music, but darn beautiful music. Make sure to turn your sound up so you don’t miss the French horn solo at the beginning!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D8zlUUrFK-M

 

I would love to hear other’s favorite songs they listen to for help relaxing and I will add them to the playlist! 🙂

Here’s to deep breaths and pretty music!

~Morgan