How I Use Music to Stay Grounded

The last year has been interesting, to say the least. I’ve had to adjust to online school, cancel vacation plans and get used to being indoors for extended periods. But one thing that’s helped me power through these challenging and uncertain times is music. 

Not only is music a powerful mood booster, but it can also provide a much needed escape from real life. Today, I will be discussing how I incorporate music into my daily activities. I’ll also be sharing some of my go-to Spotify playlists.

When I’m driving to the grocery store

Let’s face it: there’s not many places we can go nowadays. However, I’ve found that the right music can make drives to even the most monotonous of places, like the grocery store, a bit more exciting. I’ve curated a playlist of upbeat hip-hop, pop, rap and R&B songs specifically for when I’m in the car.

When I’m writing a report

Is it just me, or does anyone else have a hard time writing things when listening to songs with singing in them? It seems that the lyrics end up taking over my brain and make me forget the words I actually wanted to write down. At the same time, no music at all can make writing a long report feel even more boring. For these reasons, I choose to write my reports to mellow, instrumental tracks.

When I’m stressed

By just putting on headphones and tuning out the world for a little while, my mind can feel so much more clear and at ease. The music that I listen to de-stress is pretty similar to my report writing music, but this time it doesn’t need to be purely instrumental. 

Music is also a long-time hobby of mine. When I need to get away from my desk, I head down to my basement and pick up one of my guitars.

When I miss travelling

Isn’t it cool how you can essentially access a piece of any culture wherever you are just by playing a song on Spotify? While nothing can quite beat actually travelling, music can certainly make you feel a bit closer to your destination of choice. I have several playlists dedicated to international artists including a playlist made up of francophone artists from Africa, Europe and North America.

When I’m working out

Everyone has their own preferred genre that they listen to when they’re working out. I frequently turned to rock and metal songs during my heavy lifts at the gym, and I still do even when I’m working out at home. My workout playlist includes many subgenres of rock and metal including “hunnu rock” which combines elements of heavy metal with traditional Mongolian instrumentation and throat singing.

Nothing quite invokes feelings of nostalgia in me like the music of my formative years. So of course, I have a playlist of early 2000s hits from the likes of Avril Lavigne, Britney Spears and Usher.

And there you have it: how I use music to make even the most routine of activities enjoyable! Happy listening! 

— Jeremy