Blog Post // 2021-11-18

A Calm Body & Mind

I have anxiety... I didn't realize it until I was an adult. I had it at varying levels as a child. Had my first panic attack at age 12. I also struggle with insomnia at times, and have had a hard time giving myself time to relax over the years. But recently, I am trying to regularly use time to myself with music to give myself a break.

During my YouTube channel, it became apparent that many people were using music to relax, physically. Though I feel like I have had a sense of mental comfort with music, I needed to set out to let my body relax.

So, here are some of my favourite bands to listen to when I want to relax my mind and body. There is a mixture of genres represented, though they all seem to have that soothing aspect for me.

So, run a bath, go to your favourite spot, lock yourself in a room by yourself, and take a bit of time to listen to something that reaches into those tense places and leaves you feeling a little lighter.

(I almost feel asleep a few times while writing this blog... Which is a compliment to the nature of this music.)

For a lot of these bands, the right time to listen to them is a moment in the car when I am in need of calm before moving on to something that requires more of me, in the bath or other quiet space, as a part of a mixed list, or listening to one of their albums in it's entirety when I have the time to escape. (The wrong moment would be during a long car ride because I need to stay alert.)

Aetherian 

Their music has a sad, but calm, imprint for me. It is very easy to listen to, and leaves me feeling more settled. The flow of it all is effortless. 

Be'lakor 

I think the full sound of this band has an immersive quality. It has to make this list because it causes my body to relax. I don't need to try, it just happens. 

Archivist

I discovered this band during a bath, and found myself going back again and again. I mostly listen to their newest album. Though it is a story unfolding in itself, it moves through very smoothly. (I was in conversation with Alex who said they are working on more, though without him.)

Beyond Creation 

This is another instant calm. The fast and slow paces almost simulate rocking me to sleep. It is like a massage for my brain (I mean this in a very good way).

Cobalt

When it comes to this band, it's all about their last album for me. It seems like a drastic change from their other releases, but it's just right for me. I keep coming back to it for times of pause. Passionate vocals and the right kind of movement.

Ghost Brigade

To me, their songs are mellow, with the right edge of harshness. 

Hope Drone 

Something about the way this music uses the movement of the sound creates a tranquil bubble around me. It makes me disappear for a bit.

Katatonia 

This is about the sorrow-filled atmosphere. They make you want to stay a while.

Nechochwen 

The acoustic-electric combo makes many of their songs feel serene.

Opeth 

This is all about relaxing me. It is instantaneous. The deep vocal and the low tones, the changes throughout that make you feel like you are travelling somewhere - I can't listen to them without letting go of tension.

Swallow the Sun 

They know how to pace themselves throughout a song, which makes me enjoy each moment.

Uneven structure 

They use ambient sounds made on a guitar. It is done in a way that works well with chunky features. The combo is just right.

Sundran 

The music feels like it is drifting along, and nothing feels out of place.

Heretoir

Their music creates a delicate and soft landscape with harsh over top, which is welcoming.