Healing Sounds: Add These 6 Songs To Help Relieve Stress During Stress Awareness Month

April is Stress Awareness Month and it’s important we highlight how music holds power, helping calm our minds, ease our anxieties, and create moments of peace in our daily lives. Whether through soothing melodies, ambient beats, or soulful harmonies, music can be a great tool for stress relief.

Take, for instance, the tranquil sounds of Cleo Sol. Her smooth vocals and relaxing rhythms create peaceful soundscapes, offering listeners a safe haven of solitude and tranquility. People often underestimate the fact that certain rhythms and notes, scientifically they have the power to stimulate serotonin release, the “happy chemical” responsible for mood regulation. 

The connection between music and relaxation has become even more pronounced with the rise of meditation and mindfulness apps like Calm and Headspace. These platforms incorporate music to enhance stress relief, and many artists have embraced joining the movement to help harness emotional balance.  

As we navigate the stresses of life, we can use music as a tool to manage our emotions and cultivate inner peace. Below is a carefully curated list of six songs from both emerging and seasoned artists designed to help you unwind, recharge, and find serenity during Stress Awareness Month. 

6 Songs to Add to Your Stress-Relief Playlist: 

Fana Hues – Float 

Fana Hues is an emerging artist whose unique blend of soulful vocals and ethereal production makes her a standout in the contemporary R&B scene. Her song “Float” is a perfect addition to any stress-free playlist, offering a serene escape with its soothing melodies and calming rhythms. The lyrics speak to the desire for emotional release and inner peace, with Hues singing about letting go of the wright of the world and surrendering to the flow of life. Her ability to convey vulnerability and tranquility makes this an anthem for mindfulness. Fana first garnered attention with her feature Tyler the Creator’s song, “Sweet / I Thought You Wanted To Dance” where her voice resonated with listeners and cemented her as a promising new talent in the music industry.

Akemi Fox – Press Play

Akemi Fox’s song “Press Play” blends indie pop and R&B with a relaxed, laid-back vibe, making it a great choice for a stress-free playlist. The track is about seeking change and the emotional push and pull of trying to break free from routine. In the lyrics, Akemi expresses a desire to step away from the familiar and embrace something new, though she feels conflicted and uncertain about whether change will lead to the desired outcome. The repetition of “press play” suggests a cycle of reflection and the urge to reset.  

DeeGatti – Open Interlude

Dee Gatti, from Fort Worth, Texas, is a leading voice in the new wave of Southern R&B. Her music seamlessly fuses hip-hop and R&B, creating a silky-smooth sound that resonates deeply with listeners. Growing up, Dee immersed herself in music drawing inspiration from artists like Boyz II Men, Marvin Gate, and Aaliyah. In “Open Interlude,” she explores the challenges of communication in relationships, pushing for vulnerability needed to help bridge genuine connection. The song’s mellow production and Dee’s emotive delivery create a calming atmosphere, making it a great fit for your stress-free playlist.

Destin Conrad – Lazy 

Destin Conrad’s ”Lazy” is a smooth, laid-back R&B track that perfectly fits a stress-free playlist. With his effortless vocals, Destin creates a dreamy atmosphere, blending themes of romance, materialism, and emotional hesitation. The song’s lyrics paint a picture of a fast-moving relationship, where attraction and luxury mix with uncertainty. Lines like “I don’t need flings, I need real shit / Someone to split every meal with” reveal a deeper longing for genuine connection buried underneath his cool, casual delivery. The production is mellow yet engaging, with a gentle groove that makes this easy to vibe with.

Jhene Aiko – Sun/Son 

Jhené Aiko’s “Sun/Son” is a beautifully serene track that radiates warmth and love, making it a perfect addition to a stress-free playlist. With her signature ethereal vocals, Jhené delivers a heartfelt ode to a guiding presence in her life—whether that be a child, a lover, or even a spiritual force. The lyrics reflect deep gratitude and devotion, as she sings about being “charged up” by this source of light and energy, much like the sun. The repetition of “sun son” plays on both the celestial and familial meanings, reinforcing themes of love, renewal, and divine connection. The gentle production, filled with soothing harmonies and soft instrumentals, creates a calming atmosphere that feels like a warm embrace. Known for her introspective and healing music, Jhené once again crafts a song that uplifts the soul, offering a moment of peace and reflection.

Kali Uchis – Como Te Quiro Yo

Kali Uchis’ “Como Te Quiero Yo” is a dreamy, passionate track that blends Latin pop and R&B. The song captures the intensity of love, with Kali singing about devotion that defies outside opinions. She expresses a deep, unconditional affection, dismissing doubts with the line, “Mira, bebé, it doesn’t matter what they say, they don’t love you como te quiero yo.” Her sultry vocals float over a smooth, hypnotic beat, creating a warm and intoxicating atmosphere. The lyrics acknowledge the ups and downs of relationships (“Si no hay drama, no hay amor”), but ultimately, she craves peace, choosing love over conflict. With its sensual melody and effortless bilingual flow, “Como Te Quiero Yo” is a soothing yet passionate track that invites you to relax, let go, and simply feel the moment.