August is National Wellness Month: How Music Therapy Supports Whole-Person Health

Every August, National Wellness Month encourages us to take a step back and focus on our overall well-being. Wellness isn't just about physical health—it's about caring for our emotional, mental, social, and even spiritual well-being. When these aspects of health work together, we are better equipped to navigate life's challenges and enjoy meaningful connections with those around us.

At Angelina's Song, we see the power of wellness every day through music therapy.

Wellness Is More Than Physical Health

When many people think about health, they often picture doctor's appointments, healthy eating, or exercise. While those are important, true wellness extends far beyond the physical. It includes managing emotions, building relationships, expressing creativity, reducing stress, and finding moments of joy—even during difficult times.

For those facing serious illnesses or extended hospital stays, maintaining that sense of wellness can be especially challenging. Medical treatments often focus on healing the body, while music therapy helps nurture the whole person.

How Music Therapy Supports Wellness

Music therapy is an evidence-based healthcare profession provided by board-certified music therapists who use music intentionally to help individuals achieve personalized therapeutic goals.

Through singing, instrument play, songwriting, guided music listening, and movement, music therapy can support many dimensions of wellness by helping patients:

• Reduce stress and anxiety

• Improve mood and emotional well-being

• Encourage self-expression

• Promote relaxation during medical treatments

• Foster communication and social connection

• Build confidence and resilience

• Create moments of normalcy and joy

  
  

For children receiving medical care, these experiences can provide comfort and stability while supporting their overall quality of life.

Supporting Wellness for Children

For parents and caregivers, supporting a child’s wellness goes beyond addressing physical needs. Emotional expression, opportunities for play, connection with loved ones, and moments of joy all play an important role in a child’s overall well-being.

Music therapy offers a safe and engaging space where children can continue to learn, grow, and simply be kids—even in challenging medical environments. Whether writing a song, playing an instrument, or singing with family members, these experiences encourage creativity, communication, and emotional release.

Music can also help children process difficult feelings, reduce anxiety, and create a sense of comfort and familiarity. For families, these shared musical moments often strengthen bonds and provide meaningful ways to connect during uncertain times.

Easy Ways to Bring Music Into Your Child’s Daily Routine at Home:

• Create a daily “music time” where your child can sing, dance, or play along with favorite songs

• Use music to support routines (wake-up songs, clean-up songs, bedtime lullabies)

• Encourage your child to express feelings by choosing songs that match their mood

• Make simple instruments at home (shakers with rice, pots and pans for drumming)

• Sing familiar songs together to build connection and comfort

• Try songwriting together—make up silly or meaningful lyrics about your day

• Use calming music during transitions or stressful moments

• Have a family dance party to release energy and boost mood

Supporting Wellness for Adults

Wellness is just as important for adults—especially parents and caregivers who are supporting children through medical journeys. It can be easy to focus entirely on a child’s needs while overlooking your own emotional and mental well-being.

Music can be a powerful tool for adults as well. Listening to favorite songs, creating playlists for relaxation, or engaging in simple musical activities can help reduce stress, improve mood, and provide a sense of grounding. Music offers a moment to pause, reflect, and recharge.

Taking time for your own wellness is not only beneficial for you—it also helps you show up more fully for those you care for. Even small moments of self-care can make a meaningful difference.

Easy Ways for Adults to Use Music for Wellness at Home:

• Create playlists for different moods (relaxation, motivation, reflection)

• Start or end your day with a favorite calming or uplifting song

• Practice mindful listening—focus fully on the music without distractions

• Use music during daily tasks like cooking or cleaning to reduce stress

• Try gentle movement or stretching with music to release tension

• Journal while listening to music that helps you process emotions

• Sing along to songs you love—it can boost mood and reduce stress

• Take short “music breaks” throughout the day to reset and recharge

Wellness That Lasts Beyond the Session

The benefits of music don't end when a therapy session is over. Families frequently incorporate favorite songs, musical games, and calming playlists into their daily routines, helping children and adults continue practicing relaxation, communication, and emotional expression at home.

Music becomes a familiar source of comfort—one that can be revisited whenever it's needed.

Supporting Wellness Through Music

At Angelina's Song, we believe everyone deserves access to the healing power of music. Through grants supporting pediatric music therapy programs and scholarships for future music therapists, we are committed to expanding access to the power of music.

As we recognize National Wellness Month this August, it's a reminder that health is about caring for the whole person. While medicine plays a vital role in healing the body, music has a unique ability to nurture the heart, mind, and spirit.

Together, we can continue bringing comfort, connection, and hope to children and families through the power of music.

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Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical or health advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for guidance specific to your individual needs.

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Sources

• American Music Therapy Association. What Is Music Therapy? Defines music therapy as the clinical, evidence-based use of music interventions by a credentialed professional and outlines common therapeutic goals, including promoting wellness, managing stress, improving communication, and supporting physical rehabilitation.

• American Music Therapy Association. Does Research Support Music Therapy? Summarizes decades of research demonstrating the effectiveness of music therapy across healthcare settings and populations.

• American Music Therapy Association. Sound Health Initiative. Reviews evidence showing music-based interventions can help reduce anxiety, improve mood, support emotional well-being, and enhance quality of life for children and adults in healthcare settings.

• Robb, S. L. (Ed.). Music Therapy in Pediatric Healthcare. American Music Therapy Association, 2003. A comprehensive overview of evidence-based music therapy practices in pediatric healthcare settings, including procedural support, chronic illness, and rehabilitation.