Balancing the Bucket with Relaxing Music
Why does music work? Countless studies have shown that varying properties of music can effect brain waves, breathing and heart rate which can all impact how regulated we feel. Singing can be helpful because it requires some control of breath both in and out. Swaying to music can create some calming linear movement, which is why we rock our babies. Sometimes listening to sounds of nature like the wind rustling in the trees or the ocean waves can be repetitive, rhythmical, and calming.
“A great song should lift your heart, warm the soul and make you feel good.”
― Colbie Caillat
We all have preferences for particular types of music or sounds. I prefer music I can sing to. Some prefer instrumental music and others find something with a heavy beat relaxing. This is something fun to explore with your child when they are already calm. Watch them while they are listening to different types of music and sounds and see which ones make them smile, slow their breathing or seem to help them focus. Honoring individual preferences where possible can go a long way in providing appropriate sensory input. You can even ask Google Home, Alexa or Siri to help you find relaxing music. With choices like white noise, Gregorian Chants, Drum Circles, and nature sounds, there is sure to be music for anyone to enjoy!
Some families have found it useful to play the music quietly in the background, while others have found that turning it up a little is more helpful. It is a great idea to model this behavior when you are feeling upset or dysregulated. You can even say out loud, “Mommy is feeling frustrated, I am going to sing a song to help me feel better.” “Daddy had a hard day at work, I am going to listen to my music to help me feel more relaxed.”
Dancing it out can also improve mood, decrease stress and help you and your child feel more relaxed. No music? Make your own through beat boxing or singing a favorite song!
A rain stick is one way to provide calming sound without needing to turn on music and if you have more than one, perhaps your child can join in on the fun! Occasionally, simply redirecting to musical instruments can help soothe some unrest. We keep a set of musical instruments like this one close at hand most of the time. We can redirect hitting to the drum and banging to the cymbals or tambourine. Sometimes we start with loud music and get quieter as we calm. Other times we start very quiet to see if they will stop and look for the sounds.
We keep a set of musical instruments like this one close at hand most of the time. We can redirect hitting to the drum and banging to the cymbals or tambourine. Sometimes we start with loud music and get quieter as we calm. Other times we start very quiet to see if they will stop and look for the sounds.
Start exploring! Let us know in the comments what kind of music and sounds calms you or your child. . .it might help others find what they need as well. If you enjoyed this article, be sure to like, follow and share. Come back next week for ideas to create a calming space within your home or when you travel!
