Getting the Most out of Relaxing Music

Music has long been a tool for relaxing. These are some tips for using music to the fullest benefit possible.
  • Set up the listening environment. Lighting, temperature, visual stimulation, aromas, and noises can enhance or defeat relaxation efforts. Get rid of distractions.
  • Use good listening equipment. A decent pair of headphones is all it takes to really get into the music.
  • Find music tied to good memories. We all have special songs from our past that bring us back to that happy time. Use these songs to visit a relaxing time.. The music can

List of Relaxing Songs

  • Fix You - Coldplay
  • Ave Maria
  • Weightless - Marconi Union
  • Strawberry Swing - Coldplay
  • Sail Away - Enya
  • Pie Jesu - Celtic Woman
  • O Magnum Mysterium
  • Ave Verum Corpus - Mozart
  • Homeless - Ladysmith Black Mamazo
  • Hushabye - The Beach Boys

Suggestions for using Relaxing Music in a Group

Is there a usefulness for using relaxing music with clients? Consider some of these ideas for using music to teach and build skills.
  • Play music for clients while having them pay attention to their thoughts and emotions as the music plays. This can be done by having them write what they are thinking and feeling as the songs play. Discuss how different people have different reactions to the same song. Ask if anyone had any memories that came up as they listened, and ask if those memories led to positive or negative thoughts and emotions.
  • Give clients homework to journal while listening to relaxing or inspirational music. The music may help them focus on more positive aspects as they write.
  • Clients can choose a song they like that relaxes them. Have them rewrite the lyrics to include all the many ways they like to relax. This can be done in small groups or individually.
Music and Mindfulness Activity
This is a great activity to use for CBT or mindfulness, and you can use it with any list of songs.
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