Unlocking Calm Creativity: 5 Stress Relief Methods with Music for Gen Z

As many people know, my oldest is a young adult member of Gen Z. In recent months, I’ve been inspired to reflect on the young people of today and how they’re the same and different from my Gen X peers. As a creative professional, I have always taken pride in keeping up with the times and staying current with trends. However, is that really enough once we begin aging out of the “new adult” category? I find music essential in my life, and I think most people who grew up with me feel the same way about the power of a song. We live in a different world today, and I wonder if the surrogate mental health tool that music was for us back then is still the same for today’s young people. 

In the fast-paced world of Gen Z, where the demands of school, work, and social life can often feel overwhelming, finding effective ways to relieve stress and nurture creativity is crucial. They need to also be grounded into reality and get off devices so that they can experience life in more basic ways – decrease overstimulation. One powerful tool that has been embraced by this generation is music, because we all have access to it. Globally and historically, we have never struggled to create as a species. That’s great news, but also a curious observation about how we deal with stress through the ages. Music has the remarkable ability to not only calm the mind but also unlock the doors to creativity. In this blog, I will explore five of the best ways to achieve stress relief with music and encourage calm creativity.

Mindful Listening:

One of the simplest yet most effective ways to relieve stress and boost creativity is through mindful listening. This involves setting aside dedicated time to immerse yourself in music, free from distractions. Choose a quiet space, put on your headphones, and select music that resonates with your current mood or desired mindset. Whether it’s classical compositions, lo-fi beats, or nature sounds, the key is to truly engage with the music. Maybe it’s time to put on Spotify playlists for new music discoveries or indie music in your local area. Close your eyes, focus on the melodies, and let your thoughts flow. This practice can transport you to a calm, introspective state, making it easier to tap into your creative potential.

Create Your Soundtrack:

Imagine your life as a movie, and you’re the protagonist. Now, curate a soundtrack for your life. Creating playlists tailored to specific moods or experiences can be an incredibly therapeutic process. My oldest loves making playlists and takes pride in the amount of time and detail she has placed in creating music collections to fit different moods and settings. Whenever you need a stress-relief or creativity boost, simply press play on your customized soundtrack. The familiarity of the music can provide comfort, while also triggering memories and emotions that can inspire creative thinking. Plus, you’ll have a personal playlist for every occasion, ensuring you always have the right musical remedy on hand. This sparks great human conversation, especially if you introduce people to new music and new artists. 

Music as a Productivity Tool:

For many individuals, productivity and stress often go hand in hand. Any of us who are in our 40s and 50s can attest that stress just keeps happening, and yet we can distinctly remember the bittersweet flavor that stress in our young adult years had. Thankfully, music can act as a powerful productivity tool by helping us keep calm. When facing a daunting task, try listening to instrumental or ambient music. Shameless plug, The Calm PRINciples album is ambient music, designed for Hertz frequency healing, and there are many other artists who create similar music, too. The absence of lyrics can reduce distractions and help you concentrate better. Additionally, music with a steady tempo can act as a natural metronome, keeping you in a productive flow. Experiment with different genres and discover what works best for you to maximize your efficiency while reducing stress.

Active Music Engagement:

Sometimes, relieving stress and fostering creativity requires more active engagement with music. Learning to play an instrument, singing, or even dancing can be therapeutic outlets. I love dancing, but over the years I do less of it, and whenever I get a chance to dance, I remember how much fun it truly is. The sweating and laughing – all of it – making moves to music is a fabulous bonding experience with family and friends. Playing an instrument allows you to channel your emotions into music, offering an immediate release from stress, too. While my piano music is mellow and on the slower side of things, I notice that when I play, even I get calm. Singing, on the other hand, connects you with your emotions and can serve as an emotional outlet. I get way too much anxiety with singing in public, but some people love it and thrive releasing emotions in front of others. Even dancing, whether it’s structured or freestyle, can help release pent-up tension and unlock creative movement. All of this music-related engagement helps relieve stress for any generation, and fits with today’s trends. 

Music Exploration:

Finally, don’t be afraid to step outside your musical comfort zone. Gen Z is known for its diverse tastes, and exploring new genres or artists can be a gateway to new creative horizons. Discovering music from different cultures, experimenting with avant-garde compositions, or even delving into genres you’ve never considered before can spark fresh ideas and perspectives. The world of music is vast, and there’s always something new to explore, providing endless opportunities for creative inspiration. 

As an educator, most of my students are Generation Alpha, and it’s interesting to see the nuances between different age groups. I remember when my students were Millennials, and I wasn’t much older than them so it was an entirely different dynamic. These days, I am self-aware that I am older and internally youthful. Ha! It’s important to keep myself open to changes that new adults bring to the table. With all of the technology and advancements that Gen Z keeps propelling forward, I hope they find the time to do nothing. For me, making the time to do nothing with music, alone or with friends, was the source of some of my best memories in life. 

In conclusion, music is a potent tool for achieving stress relief and nurturing creativity for individuals of all ages. Whether you’re engaging in mindful listening, curating personal soundtracks, using music as a productivity aid, actively engaging with instruments or dance, or exploring new musical realms, the power of music to calm the mind and ignite creativity is boundless. Let the melodies flow.