Music has been an integral part of Indian culture and tradition, offering immense benefits for mental well-being. For elder women, music can be a powerful tool to promote relaxation, reduce stress, improve cognitive function, and enhance overall emotional health. Whether through classical Indian melodies, devotional bhajans, or nostalgic Bollywood tunes, the right kind of music can create a soothing effect on the mind and body. Classical Indian Music for Relaxation Listening to soothing ragas helps in reducing stress and improving focus. Some beneficial ragas include: Raga Yaman – Ideal for evening relaxation. Raga Bhairav – Best for a peaceful morning. Raga Bageshree – Aids in deep sleep. Raga Darbari Kanada – Helps in stress relief. These ragas can be found on platforms like YouTube, Spotify, or Gaana.
Devotional Music and Bhajans Listening to devotional songs can create a sense of calm and spiritual connection. Recommended options: Meera Bhajans, Krishna Bhajans, and Sai Bhajans. Chanting Shiva Stotras, Vishnu Sahasranamam, or Hanuman Chalisa. Morning bhajan playlists for a peaceful start to the day.
Meditative Instrumental Music Instrumental Indian classical music is deeply calming. Some great choices include: Bansuri (flute) by Hariprasad Chaurasia. Santoor by Shivkumar Sharma. Veena by E. Gayathri. Nature sounds blended with sitar or bansuri can further enhance meditation.
Chanting and Mantra Meditation Practicing Om chanting or listening to the Gayatri Mantra helps in relaxation. Using guided chanting apps like Sattva, Mantra Meditation, or Calm can make meditation easier.
Soft Bollywood Retro Songs Old Hindi film songs bring joy and nostalgia. Recommended songs include: Lag Ja Gale (Lata Mangeshkar) Chaudhvin Ka Chand (Mohammed Rafi) Yeh Shaam Mastani (Kishore Kumar) These songs can be found in golden-era playlists on streaming platforms.
Light Ghazals and Sufi Music
Ghazals and Sufi music provide deep relaxation. Some suggestions: Ghazals by Jagjit Singh, Mehdi Hassan, or Ghulam Ali. Sufi songs like Khwaja Mere Khwaja or Kun Faya Kun.
Singing and Humming for Brain Stimulation Singing old songs, bhajans, or classical pieces stimulates memory and reduces cognitive decline. Humming tunes before sleep can also help in reducing stress.
Gentle Dance-Based Relaxation Engaging in light Kathak or Bharatanatyam movements with music promotes relaxation and physical activity. Dancing to Bollywood oldies like Ae Mere Humsafar can also be enjoyable.
Music Therapy for Stress Reduction Slow-paced Indian classical music and devotional chants lower blood pressure and reduce anxiety. Sound healing techniques like Tibetan bowls or Carnatic alapana are effective for deep relaxation.
Guided Relaxation with Music Combining soft background music with guided meditation enhances relaxation. Apps that provide guided music meditation include: Calm Sattva Naad Yoga App
Daily Music Listening Rituals Making music listening a daily habit can help in brain relaxation: Morning: Peaceful ragas like Bhairav or Ahir Bhairav. Afternoon: Light instrumental like sitar or veena. Evening: Bhajans or old Bollywood classics. Night: Soft ghazals or Om chanting for sleep.
Group Music Sessions Forming a small bhajan or singing group encourages social connection and mental well-being. Many temples and community centers organize bhajan gatherings that can be beneficial.
Playing Simple Musical Instruments Learning or playing a musical instrument, even at an elder age, helps in brain stimulation. Some easy options include: Harmonium for bhajans. Tabla or hand drums for rhythm. Veena or tanpura for meditative sounds. Bell chimes or singing bowls for sound therapy.
Slow Rhythmic Breathing with Music Practicing deep breathing while listening to flute music can calm the nervous system. Inhaling deeply while listening to slow rhythms and exhaling with a soft Om sound promotes relaxation.
Music for Sleep and Deep Relaxation Listening to soft Carnatic ragas like Neelambari, which is known to induce sleep. Binaural beats mixed with Indian classical music improve deep sleep.
Encouraging Nostalgia Through Music Creating a playlist of childhood songs from the 1950s-80s can stimulate happy memories. Many platforms like YouTube, Gaana, or Spotify have curated golden-era playlists.
Attending Live Concerts and Virtual Music Sessions Watching live concerts of classical music, ghazals, or bhajan sessions can be deeply healing. Online options include: Doordarshan archives of old classical concerts. Online bhajan groups or live devotional radio stations.
Music and Mindfulness Walks Taking a slow walk in a garden or terrace while listening to soft music can be a great way to unwind. Instrumental music, flute, or light classical music enhances relaxation.
Personalizing Music Therapy Experimenting with different genres such as classical, bhajans, old Bollywood songs, or instrumentals. Using headphones for a more immersive experience. Combining music with deep breathing exercises for enhanced relaxation.
Music is not just a form of entertainment but also a powerful therapeutic tool for relaxation and emotional well-being. For elder women in India, engaging with the right kind of music can significantly improve mental health, reduce stress, and promote mindfulness. Whether through listening, singing, or participating in group activities, incorporating music into daily life can lead to a more peaceful and fulfilling experience.
