Using Music to Understand Yourself

Music has the power to shift our mood, awaken memories and help us make sense of how we feel. In this video, Gift shares how both listening to and creating music help her express emotions, feel connected to her past and gives her hope for the future. For her, music acts as a safe and creative outlet, and is an opportunity to connect and share joy with others.

This tool shows you how to use music as a reflective practice. Start by noticing how different songs make you feel: energised, comforted, understood or even challenged. By paying close attention, you may start to notice and process emotions that you haven’t dealt with yet.

Gift also suggests writing a few lines about what you’re feeling. This could be lyrics, notes or a short reflection. It doesn’t need to be polished or perfect. The act of putting thoughts into words can help you understand them.

Or, if you’re feeling a bit more confident, you could record a simple melody, beat or voice note to express your thoughts.

You don’t need to be a musician; what matters is the creative act not the final product. Expressing how you feel through music and lyrics can help release stress, help you feel calmer and more in charge of your emotions.

This activity can be done anywhere, whether you’re walking, resting, travelling or at home. It can be something you do just for you, or something you share with others.

Whether it’s listening to an old favourite or making something new, enjoying music in this way can do wonders for your mental wellbeing.

If you’d like to explore this idea further, you might enjoy reading  Music is a barometer to how I’m feeling – Hapus, which looks at how music can help us tune in to our emotions and support our mental wellbeing.

We’d like to thank our project partner Afrowales who led and coordinated the development of this resource.