Developing good habits to improve our daily lives is something we can begin at any time. Whether at the start of a new year or at any point along the way, building positive habits can add meaning and long-term value. As a bonus, incorporating music into the habits we choose to adopt can make the process more enjoyable, motivating, and uplifting.
But it doesn’t always have to involve big, grand promises to ourselves. Sometimes, it can be as simple as learning to understand oneself and sit with one’s emotions through writing or creating spaces for reflection and emotional growth.
Billboard Philippines has your back in developing good music-related habits to boost your daily routine, enhance your well-being, and gain a fresh perspective on life — from staying fit and healthy while listening to music, to minimizing screen time and discovering new music.
Music Journaling
A helpful and healthy tool for connecting with one’s emotions, thoughts, and feelings is writing or journaling. When we struggle to put into words exactly what we’re feeling throughout the day, writing works its magic, helping us process and reflect. We can also challenge ourselves to explore these musings through lyrics or music-inspired pieces. It doesn’t have to be professional-level songwriting — what matters is tapping into our inner songwriter and letting our emotions guide us.
Definitely, when you’re feeling heartbroken or when moments of yearning come knocking at our door, writing a line or two to express your feelings can be a simple, self-soothing way to start healing. baby steps, just like what Olivia Dean said. Drawing inspiration from artists who openly share their inner worlds, like Taylor Swift or Bob Dylan, can be especially powerful. When we write privately to ourselves, it can remind us to be vulnerable and honest, and times like these help us learn, grow, and maybe even discover more about ourselves
Morning Music Ritual
Starting your day with an open heart and a positive attitude can truly shape how the day unfolds. To kickstart those good vibes, listening to music in the morning is a perfect way to set the tone. Mix in some of your favorite tracks that are currently on repeat, or kick it up a notch with a song or artist you haven’t listened to in a while.
Heading to work? Going to school? Spending time with family, friends, or loved ones? Get into an uplifting mood — maybe sip a warm cup of coffee, grab a slice of buttered bread, and simply enjoy the morning — because nothing feels as comforting and grounding as those small, peaceful moments that remind us to slow down before we brave through a brand new day.
Screen-Free Listening
A new habit we can all try to develop is minimizing screen time. It’s easy to instinctively check our phones, get lost in a sea of content, and fall into the trap of doom scrolling. Once we’re in that rabbit hole, it can be tricky to pull ourselves out. However, instead of being glued to our screens, switching from watching to listening can be a great alternative. Immersing ourselves in music — even something tried-and-true like classical—can turn into an essential and rewarding discovery.
This doesn’t mean completely cutting ourselves off from the digital world, but taking regular breaks from screens and exploring new artists, genres, or songs can be the start of a positive change.
Daily Instrument Practice
Getting into a new hobby, like learning to play an instrument, can feel overwhelming — especially if you’re already thinking about being really good at it. But mastering something takes time. By dedicating even just 10 minutes a day to learning and playing, you’ll start to see the results of your efforts over time, and it can offer a well-deserved payoff. With the world of online tutorials at your fingertips, learning the guitar, ukulele, flute, or even drums can feel like a walk in the park — if you stay consistent.
If you already tried mastering an instrument in your younger years, just remember that it’s never too late to begin again. Even if you didn’t take music classes as a kid, that inner musician inside you isn’t lost. There’s still plenty of time to learn something new, and it could even become a great conversation starter—or an interesting anecdote when you play “Two Truths and a Lie” with new people.
Active Listening In Motion
These days, a lot of people are getting into working out and being more mindful of their health. Just letting out whatever you’re feeling with a quick morning jog or evening run benefits you not only physically but also mentally. Getting your steps in — even just walking at your own pace — helps burn calories and clear your mind. And when you’re on your own, the company of reliable headphones or earbuds can make your outdoor time even more enjoyable.
Listening to music and vibing with upbeat, serotonin-boosting tracks is one way to enhance your workouts. You could also dive into podcasts and enjoy conversations that soothe, inspire, or energize you as you walk or run. When you’re doing cardio and sweating it out, having good music or interesting, thoughtful conversations in the background is the perfect companion on your journey to becoming a better you.