How to use music for mental health

By ReachOut Content Team
Updated 23 April 2025

No matter what your go-to genres are, music can be a powerful ally for your mental wellbeing. It can lift your mood, get you motivated, and help you manage difficult emotions. Let’s explore how you can use the power of music to support your mental health.

This can help if:

  • you want to use music as a wellbeing strategy 

  • you want to learn about the connection between music and mental health

  • you want to understand the benefits of music.

A girl standing outside in a grassy area, listening to headphones and looking calm.

How does music improve your mental health?

Music is more than just a form of entertainment. Whether you’re listening to or creating it, it can have positive effects on mood and mental health. Music has been shown to: 

  • boost your mood and motivation

  • help you feel more relaxed

  • support your focus and brain function.

Ways music supports mental health

There are lots of links between music and mental health. But how exactly can you use it in your day-to-day life? Here are some ways to use music intentionally:

Focus 

Music can be a powerful tool for your wellbeing, especially when focusing. What works best is pretty personal. Some people like classical music, while others focus better with heavier tracks or familiar songs on repeat. 

The key is understanding your own stimulation level. If you're feeling sleepy, energetic music might help you focus. If you’re feeling anxious or overwhelmed, calming tunes can help settle your thoughts. Try different styles and volumes to see what works best for you. 

Expression 

Finding it tough to talk about how you're feeling? Music can help with that. Creating your own tunes, writing some lyrics, or even just messing around on a guitar or keyboard can be a great way to express what's going on inside.

Processing emotions

Music can be a great way to help you process emotions. You might connect to the lyrics or the sounds in particular tracks. This can help support you through different experiences, like putting on a sad song when you need to cry, or a high-energy track if you need to move your body. You can even create your own go-to playlist for when you're experiencing different moods and emotions.

I'd recommend to anyone that if things aren't going right, and you don't know what to do, just turn up some good music, and tune out for a few minutes before you attempt to figure everything out again.

Anonymous, 17

Movement

From walking to running and dancing, music is a great way to get your body moving. While there are mental health benefits to getting outdoors, even dancing around your room to a song can help boost your mood and sense of wellbeing.

Social connection 

Music can be a great way to feel connected. Sharing playlists with friends, jamming with others, or meeting like-minded people at your favourite band’s next gig can all help with feelings of isolation and loneliness. 

Cultural connection

Listening or learning how to play music from your culture can also be a really great way to connect to your cultural identity, which is an important part of your mental health and wellbeing.

Creativity 

Did you know that listening to or making music helps your brain to think creatively? Whether it’s a creative project you need to complete or new ways to improve your mood, try different types of music and see what works best for you.

Relaxation 

Okay, so this isn’t a huge scientific breakthrough, but it’s worth repeating: music helps you to relax. If you choose the right kind of music, change into some comfy clothes and put your feet up, it’s a safe bet that you’ll feel relaxed in no time.

Motivation

Need to vacuum the house/study/get some exercise, but can’t get off the couch? Use your favourite music as a motivational force. Crank up the volume on an upbeat tune, and you’ll probably find it much easier to get started.

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There's no right or wrong way to use music – it’s all about finding what works for you. So next time you're feeling stressed, down, or just need a boost, remember that pressing play on the right track might be just what you need.

What can I do now?

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Self-care
Mental wellbeing
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        We acknowledge the traditional owners of Country throughout Australia. We pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, and to Elders past and present. We recognise connection to Country as integral to health and wellbeing.

        We acknowledge people with lived experience of mental ill-health and recovery and the experience of people who have been carers, families, or supporters.

        ReachOut values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.

              Aboriginal flagTorres Strait islander flagRainbow flagAustralian flag

              We acknowledge the traditional owners of Country throughout Australia. We pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, and to Elders past and present. We recognise connection to Country as integral to health and wellbeing.

              We acknowledge people with lived experience of mental ill-health and recovery and the experience of people who have been carers, families, or supporters.

              ReachOut values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.

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