Of course. There, we said it. Right here, right now. You can listen to music while doing yoga. But, your next question might be, “what kind of music or which one of the thousands of music out there should I listen to?” Well, good thing that you landed on the right article. Let’s dig deeper into the connection between music and yoga.
There’s no denying that music can really set your mood, and sometimes, your energy. It can make you happy, sad, excited, inspired, and a lot more other emotions. For a moment, listening to the right playlist will somehow alter your mood, your day, or sometimes, your entire being.
On the other hand, yoga helps you alleviate tension and, after a tough day, will ground you. A variety of types of yoga, including Inside Flow, depend on music as well. So, with such impact, some people enjoy practicing yoga with music at times.
Yoga and Music
While yoga can be done in silence, you can also opt to combine it with nice, relaxing music. By doing so, the effects and benefits of yoga can be magnified. But how does music connect with yoga?
We listed down some ways how music affects yoga (in a good way, of course).
Music boosts your movements.
When practicing yoga, some poses may be difficult for you to follow or perform; it is where one benefit of music enters. When we listen to music, it has the power to bring us to a place of grace and calmness were doing yoga poses becomes like dancing. When yoga is accompanied by the right music, moving from one pose to the next will seamlessly feel good and effortless.
Music can spur memories.
Admit it or not, there are times that when we hear music, our memories could be stimulated. Once we remember specific memories, it gives us the chance to examine ourselves. Only then will we find inner peace as we come to terms with our former selves – something that yoga gives off, too.
Music initiates good mood and positive energy.
In one way or another, just by listening to your favorite song (or album), we all have experienced being suddenly lifted from a grumpy mood. From a scientific perspective, our brain’s electric signals are reinforced or diminished, depending on our mood. Changing the electrical waves of our brain through music can also affect our state of mind and wellbeing in general.
Music enhances meditation.
People used to think that yoga can only be performed in silence. They assume that they can only fully meditate when there are no other noises or sounds in their surroundings.
But no matter where we go, there will still be noise going on. Our minds begin to become more involved when we close our eyes to meditate, which can give way to both pleasant and unpleasant thoughts. This is where it makes music useful. It calms our restless thoughts and helps us find quietness in mind, which is meditation’s purpose.
What to Listen When Doing Yoga: The Best Music Genre to Listen
To fully experience the effect of music on yoga, finding the right genre is a crucial thing. There are just some music genres that you can’t listen to while practicing yoga unless you want to be out of focus. But with the right one, you’ll surely enjoy every beat of the music with every yoga pose.
Here is the most listened to “music genre” of people who does yoga, take note!
Meditation Music
The most popular music choice for people who practice yoga is meditation music. Meditative music, such as earthy instrumental tunes, is soothing and rejuvenating. That is why it is the most popular choice of music for people who do yoga.
But why is that, you may ask. Well, meditation, relaxation, and peace of mind, in general, are likely linked to yoga. And all of these aspects are basically connected to this form of music.
Traditional Indian
Since many choose to listen to this method while doing yoga, traditional Indian is ranked as the second most popular. On sites like Pandora, you can find some of the best playlists that you can use when you practice yoga, and there are no limits there.
Indie and/or Alternative
Indie and/or Alternative music is famous for its comparison to mainstream music. It typically offers a flowy groove, making the music a wonderful complement to a class like Vinyasa yoga, a flowy style class.
Twenty-one Pilots, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Coldplay, and Grouplove are some excellent Indie/Alt band suggestions to add to your faster-paced yoga practice.
Classical Music
Finding that there are individuals who enjoy listening to classical music while practicing yoga is truly fascinating. Classical music is known for relaxing the brain positively and creating a soothing effect. And one big reason people practice yoga is for the benefit of the mind and to relieve tension, so maybe yoga creates a magnified calming effect in combination with classical music.
Which Song To Listen To?
We’re sure you’ve got some ideas on which music genre you should listen to in your next yoga class or practice. But let us be a little more specific. Here are some songs that you can add to your yoga playlist, and we’re sure you will enjoy them.
- “Gentle with Myself by Karen Drucker
- “Sunrise” by Norah Jones
- “Earth Walk” by Bradley J. Smith
- “Higher Ground” by ODESZA
- “Light” By Dr. Toast
- “Slow Dancing In A Burning Room” by John Mayer
- “Orinoco Flow” by Enya
- “Diamonds in the Sun” by Girish
- “Slow Down” by Scott Orr
- “Holocene” by Bon Iver
Go on, try playing these songs, and we assure you, you won’t get disappointed. You can find these songs on YouTube and Spotify.
The Bottom Line
It is obviously important to have the correct playlist when practicing yoga with music. During your practice, fast-upbeat music, heavy piano recitals, or lyrics can be a little distracting. So start by choosing music that can deepen your practice, inspire, and direct you.
Let us know which song you’ll play or try on your next yoga practice.
READ ALSO: Can Guys Do Yoga or Is It Weird: Stats and Benefits
