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Music and Sound Therapy Samples and Tips for Long-COVID

I recently shared an introductory article on the benefits of sound and music therapy for Long Covid.  It occurs to me that it would be helpful to share some specific examples of methods and music and tips for how to enjoy it.

Spotify Playlists for Relaxation and Sleep

Here are some Spotify playlists featuring hours of Singing Bowls and Binaural Beats.  If you are not a subscriber, Spotify offers free ad-supported accounts.  If you choose not to sign up for an account, the links below will still allow you to see the names of songs and performers so you can search for them elsewhere.
 

YouTube Videos for Relaxation and Sleep

While videos are more stimulating and less relaxing, I share these links because most people are familiar with how to use YouTube.  As videos are more stimulating, it may help to listen with closed eyes or a covered screen.  If you are not a subscriber, some videos may have ads.

Search Terms for Relaxation and Sleep Music

These search terms are good starting points to look for relaxation music, and clicking the links will trigger a Google search:

Soothing Music for Working and Studying

In addition to the above relaxation and sleep examples, I find that soothing music while working helps keep me to focus and manage stress.  Music in general can be quite soothing, so new age mystical healing themes are not the only option.  When working, I do not want something that is so relaxing as to make me nod off.  

I find that a quiet, simple instrumental tracks without human vocals helps me the most for work.  Fast beats or lyrics are distracting and can create a stressful sense of urgency for me.  Light jazz, ambient nature sounds, and “studying” tracks help me balance calm and alertness.  

I also enjoy videos, as I have a large screen in my office.  If I get paralyzed by brain fog am unable to remember what I am doing, glancing at the screen for a few minutes and enjoying the soothing content can dial back the stress and help me get back on track.

YouTube Work and Study Videos

Search Terms for Working and Studying

Listening Accessories

I get the best results from higher quality headphones, earbuds or speakers as most relaxation music features a broad range of frequencies.  While I used to love big headphones, they can be cumbersome for sleep and the clamping sensation can aggravate my migraines and tinnitus.

Edifier R1700BTs Inexpensive Powered Wireless Speakers
These are sometimes described by reviewers as poor-man’s reference/monitor speakers.  By this I mean that they have a pleasant warm tone, reproduce a broad range of frequencies without boosting highs or lows, and are simple and affordable.  They are designed to sit nearby at ear level or slightly below, such as on a desk or nightstand.  I like their clarity and warmth for spoken-word (e.g. audio books and podcasts) but find them very good for relaxation music too.  

They lack the punch of bass-enhanced party units and theater systems, but that was a plus for me as too much bass is annoying for spoken-word content and I already have a theater setup.  They have a subwoofer line out if you get them and later decide they need more bass.  

They are powered, meaning you plug them into a wall outlet, so there is no need to fuss with batteries or a separate amplifier or receiver.  Once paired, you can just turn them on with the included remote and effortlessly stream to them over Bluetooth 5.0.  They also have two RCA inputs if you want to connect a phonograph or other audio device.  While not audiophile powerhouses, I found them to offer great value for under $200.  I was also impressed with how long the included cable is to connect them to each other, as it easily spans with width of a king size bed with room to spare.

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless: Pricey Multi-function Headset
As a remote worker involved in a lot of meetings, I got these for their wireless convenience, hot-swappable batteries, great noise cancellation and their ability to modify the tonality of what I hear and transmit.  

They have great sound for a communication-oriented device as they were designed for gamers who want to hear spatial surround sound while talking to teammates in noisy environments.  Though not a gamer, I chose these to get great sound while connecting simultaneously to a computer and a phone, because the quickly replaceable (and rechargeable) batteries mean that I never miss meetings because of a dead battery. (They include two in the package, and you can easily order more as they are same as a common camera battery.)  They are great at blocking sounds outside of human speech for both me and the people I talk to.  The spatial audio is very immersive for 8D and Binaural Beats relaxation tracks.  While not cheap, they are the only ones I have found with all of these features and their ability to multitask for work and entertainment make them a good value as they can replace multiple devices.

(The above product links may result in me receiving a small commission should you make a purchase.)
© 2024 All rights reserved. This blog reflects the personal experience and opinions of a long COVID and CFS survivor and is not qualified medical advice. Consult a doctor for your situation.

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I invite on-topic, helpful comments from readers with free Google accounts. I am especially interested in comments that share useful tips for fighting long-COVID, Chronic Fatigue, Chronic Pain and Migraines. Off-topic comments, comments that name other sites or products without including much relevant textual explanation, and comments disparaging any person or group will be deleted. As I am trying to keep this a positive place, I may also delete comments in a despairing tone that focus only on symptom misery rather than helpful ways to combat it. Thank you very much for sharing your thoughts and helpful tips!

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