How do you use Music in your daily life? How integrated is Music in it?

Almost everyone loves music, and we use it regularly if we realise it or not. In this post, I want to look at the most common ways where music plays a big role for us, consciously and subconsciously.

When I say ‘common’, I mean areas of our lives where music plays an important role for us to do or achieve something. You might know or participate in some or all of them or have heard of these before.

8 common ways music is used daily

1. Morning routine 🌅

If you love mornings or not, getting up, out of bed and starting your day with a good song or two will set the right and positive tone for the day. Listening to upbeat music with a faster tempo and positive lyrics from when we get up, get ready, work out and go through other morning activities such as working out or commuting to work can boost your mood, motivation and energy.

2. Workout Companion 💪

Whether you work out at home, hit the gym before or after work, go for a walk or run, practising yoga or similar activities, music is the perfect workout companion. There is always a fitting playlist or song with the right rhythm and tempo to support you with your energy level and mood. It can enhance your physical performance, motivation and help you feel less tired, too!

3. Work and Study Focus 🎧

Using music to help you focus in, help with concentration, and productivity can work wonders. Many people have created their own playlists that they use when doing specific work or for studying. Most likely these will be instrumental tracks or genres such as ambient or lo-fi beats. These types of music assist with drowning out background noise and help you focus on the work or task at hand.

4. Emotional Outlet 💖

Music is a powerful tool for emotional expression and regulation. When we’re feeling down, a sad song can provide a sense of solidarity and understanding, while an upbeat track can help lift our spirits. People often turn to music to process their feelings, find comfort, and release pent-up emotions. It’s no wonder that music is frequently used in therapeutic settings to support mental health and wellbeing.

5. Social Connection 🎶

Music is a global connector, bringing people together. This can be in a home setting, spending time with friends, at a party, live concert or other settings. It truly connects us humans deeper and allows us to share experiences. Plus, it is a universal language that transcends cultural and linguistic barriers, allowing us to create memories and bonds that can last a lifetime.  

6. Background Ambience 🌟

Playing music in the background during mundane tasks, such as cleaning or cooking, is creating a comforting ambience, making these tasks more enjoyable. Another setting is when we have friends over for a cuppa or dinner, and adding music in the background on low volume creates a warm and chilled atmosphere.

On the other hand, many retail stores, restaurants, cafés and other public spaces use music in the background not only to make your experience more pleasant but also to influence your behaviour (decision-making), which is called subconscious influence.

7. Relaxation and stress relief 🧘‍♀️

Using slow tempo music, which can include nature sounds, lowers your heart rate and blood pressure. Using calming tunes regularly for relaxation, stress reduction and meditation can enhance your overall wellbeing.

8. Sleep routines 💤

Similar to relaxation and stress relief, incorporation of calming, soothing music or nature sounds into their bedtime routine can help with sleep quality and promote relaxation.

Music’s Unconscious effect 🎶

Most of the time we use music subconsciously and the effect on our mind, body and soul is amazing. Studies have shown that it influences our heart rate, stress levels and blood pressure. Music can also release dopamine, which is a ‘feel good’ neurotransmitter, hence making us feel more content, happy and relaxed. And to top it off, it helps with our memory and cognitive performance, being an especially valuable tool for learning and retention of information.