4 Music Genres That Help Calm My Anxiety

The thing I love about music is that no matter where in the world you’re from or what music you’re listening to, it has the ability to instantly make you ‘feel’.

Whether they’re happy feelings or weird feelings, the fact is that music has the ability to ignite a ‘feeling’.

I first heard Sade’s music when I was around 6/7 and I instantly felt like I was transported into what I describe felt like being in a lava lamp just ‘vibing’. I immediately fell in love with her voice and the band and cannot believe I had the absolute honour of seeing her perform live in 2010. What a dream moment!

It was around the age of 10 when my music palette started to enhance and I began listening to chill out music from Cafe Del Mar Chill to Jazz, Instrumental, World, Lounge and Blues. Kids my age really weren’t into this kind of music and that was fine by me, because I enjoyed listening to it by myself anyway.

Now as an adult, whenever I feel myself overwhelmed, anxious or worried I turn to music which is like my meditation. I know for me, it instantly calms my tension and nerves and puts me into a state of tranquil.

The music genres that help calm me are (& yes I’ve included links to share the feeling of zen):

LoFi — there are so many to choose from the world of LoFi. If you didn’t already know, LoFi stands for Low Fidelity and this is a type of sound recording that contains technical flaws that make the recording sound differently compared to the live sound being recorded, such as distortion, hum, background noise, or limited frequency response. I totally Googled that because I would’ve explained it in such an ordinary way! Since exploring LoFi I’ve gone even more niche by discovering a sub-genre called: ‘Playing In The Other Room’ which is literally music playing from a different room to the one you’re supposedly in with the added crackle of a fire and maybe some rain. Super specific & crazy, I know! Also, not forgetting ‘Rainy’ LoFi which is basically LoFi music with the sound of rain in the background. The variety’s are amazing! I’m personally not a fan of rain (at all actually) but there’s something very New York-like about it. Especially Chet Baker’s Almost Blue & this Oldie’s mix.

Ambient — I turn to Ambient when I want to get into a meditative space and create a clean & minimal environment in my room. Most times in the evening/night I’ll listen to this genre because it soothingly puts you into a gentle trance which is perfect for going to sleep. A current favourite of mine is Ambient Music Buddha’s Lounge.

Instrumental — a definite go-to artist for me is Peter Pearson. Literally each one of his songs transports me to an oasis where I visualise I’m floating, the weather is warm, I can hear the sea and everything is *chefs kiss* perfect.

Slowed — this one is a new find, but wow is it a game-changer or what! Search any song you like listening to and put ‘slowed’ at the end and hit Enter. It will create such a mellow and chilled vibe. Here’s a few of my favourites: Jill Scott, The Internet, Sade, H.E.R.

There are so many more music genres that I love exploring and listening to from World to Qawwali to Hip Hop & my all time favourite: Jazz. The genres I’ve mentioned above are my definite go-to’s for when I’m feeling swamped or overwhelmed.