I love music. Always have. It’s been my escape, my therapy, and my go-to whenever the world got too loud. Honestly, headphones are the greatest invention of all time. And live concerts? How good. I recently went to see Pearl Jam with Amber and my sister Kathleen—35,000 people all singing the same lyrics. That night is etched into my memory as one of the highlights of my life. Music grounds me. Always has. And the science backs it up—music helps your mind heal. Whether you’re singing, playing, writing, or just sitting in silence with headphones on, music has the power to shift your entire emotional landscape.

Let’s dive into why it works.

1. Emotional Expression Without Words

Sometimes, words fail. You can’t always explain what you’re feeling—and that’s where music steps in. There are songs that have broken me open. Out of nowhere. Some songs have brought me to tears. One track in particular—Feel by Robbie Williams—hit me like a truck back in 2002. I didn’t even like Robbie at the time, but that song spoke for me when I couldn’t. (It’s all love now, Robbie.) The right song at the right time can pull emotions out of you that you didn’t even realise were there. That’s healing. That’s power. Music becomes a mirror for our internal world—letting us feel what needs to be felt, without needing to explain it.

2. Regulating Mood & Reducing Anxiety

Music doesn’t just make you feel—it can change how you feel. Scientific research shows that music boosts the release of feel-good chemicals like dopamine and serotonin. That’s your brain naturally lifting your mood. And for men dealing with stress, anxiety, or burnout, that’s gold. Whether it’s belting out lyrics in the car, listening to calming instrumentals, or using music as background while you work—music can pull you out of a slump.

Tip: Start your own "go-to" playlist. When I’m feeling low, I throw on Mr Blue Sky by ELO. It never fails to lift my vibe. Figure out which songs do that for you, and make sure they’re on every playlist you create.