I frequently discuss the powerful connection between physical movement and mental health. Exercise is one of the most effective natural antidepressants we have, but I’ve discovered that adding the right soundtrack can transform a good workout into a transformative experience.
Music engages multiple areas of the brain simultaneously, creating what I call “cognitive hijacking” in the best possible way. When clients struggling with rumination or anxiety put on headphones and start moving, the combination drowns out negative thought patterns that typically dominate their mental space. The rhythm literally gives their brain something else to focus on.
I’ve watched clients discover their power through carefully curated playlists. A survivor of trauma might find strength in empowering lyrics during weight training, while someone battling depression connects with hopeful melodies during cardio. The music becomes an emotional anchor, associating movement with positive feelings rather than obligation or punishment.
Headphones also create a protective bubble—especially important for clients with social anxiety who feel self-conscious at gyms. The music provides both motivation and shield, allowing them to focus inward rather than worry about others’ judgments.
The neurochemical benefits are remarkable: music releases dopamine while exercise floods the system with endorphins. Together, they create a natural high that can shift mood for hours afterward. I often tell clients that their playlist is as important as their workout plan.
Whether it’s energizing beats for cardio or calming rhythms for yoga, the right music can turn exercise from a chore into therapy. Sometimes the path to mental wellness begins with finding your perfect workout soundtrack.
These are the ones that I use…whether I’m outside mowing the yard or inside on the treadmill! The sound is great and it lets me completely zone in to what I’m doing!
Salt + Cedar Collective 