Soft music can help ease dressing challenges by creating a calming environment that reduces stress and anxiety, making the process smoother and more comfortable. When people face difficulties with dressing—whether due to physical limitations, cognitive challenges, or emotional distress—soft music can promote relaxation and improve mood, which may enhance their ability to focus and cooperate during dressing.
Music has a unique ability to influence emotions and bodily responses. Gentle, slow-tempo music can lower heart rate and encourage rhythmic breathing, which helps reduce feelings of frustration or agitation that often accompany dressing difficulties. This calming effect can be especially beneficial for individuals with conditions such as dementia, stroke recovery, or developmental disabilities, where sensory overload or anxiety can make dressing a stressful task.
Moreover, music can engage the body and mind in a positive way. Studies show that musical activities involving rhythm and singing can foster emotional expression and social connection, which may translate into better cooperation and motivation during daily routines like dressing. For example, rhythmic breathing techniques linked to music have been found to enhance relaxation responses, which could help individuals feel more at ease while getting dressed.
In caregiving or rehabilitation settings, incorporating soft music during dressing routines can create a more supportive atmosphere. It may help caregivers communicate more effectively and encourage patients or loved ones to participate actively in their self-care. This approach aligns with whole-person care principles, addressing not only physical needs but also emotional and psychological well-being.
While soft music is not a standalone solution for all dressing challenges, it can be a valuable tool to complement other strategies such as physical assistance, adaptive clothing, and therapeutic interventions. By reducing stress and fostering a sense of calm, soft music can make dressing a less daunting and more manageable experience.
Sources
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1602855/full
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12604112/
https://fourseasonscare.org/whole-person-care/
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1304/music-therapy
