Healing Through Music

Hello everyone,

I hope you’ve had a lovely spring so far! In this newsletter, we’re exploring ways to manage anxiety while traveling, along with reflections on artists, the healing power of music, and what it can feel like to reconnect with your younger self.

Wishing you a wonderful rest of April!

All the best,

Mandy

MENTAL HEALTH CHECK-IN
Tips to Manage Anxiety While Traveling

With the nicer weather and summer quickly approaching, many of us are thinking about or planning upcoming trips. If you love traveling but also experience anxiety, it can bring up mixed feelings. If you’re looking forward to your summer plans and want support in managing anxiety, here are a few tips to help you stay more present:

• Pack an anxiety kit: Bring a small bag with essentials that help you feel grounded, like sour candy or peppermint (both can help with anxiety), a small fan, essential oils, facial spray, a cold pack, a fidget, etc.

• Practice coping strategies: Identify a few strategies and practice them before your trip so they feel familiar and easier to use while traveling. This might include deep breathing, the 5-4-3-2-1 method, progressive muscle relaxation, or guided imagery.

• Make a list of things you’re excited about: Write down what you’re looking forward to on your trip. Having something positive to focus on can help shift your attention when anxiety starts to creep in.

• Normalize needing breaks: It’s okay to step away, take a walk, or have some quiet time if you feel overwhelmed. You don’t have to be “on” the entire trip to still enjoy it.

MEDIA
Why Watching Justin Bieber Perform At Coachella Felt So Healing for Millennials

Watching Justin Bieber take the stage during both weekends of Coachella brought up something deeper than just nostalgia for many millennials. It felt like reconnecting with a younger version of ourselves. Throughout his performances, Justin sang alongside videos of his younger self, creating a moment that felt both powerful and symbolic. For those of us who grew up alongside him, it didn’t feel like just a performance, but more like a reflection of time, growth, and everything in between.

Watching someone who has spent so much of his life in the public eye stand in that space as an adult felt really meaningful. It’s especially impactful knowing that Justin has been open about his struggles with mental and physical health, which led him to cancel a major tour and step away from the spotlight for a period of time.

One especially touching moment was when he brought out Billie Eilish for “One Less Lonely Girl.” In the past, Justin Bieber would invite fans on stage for this song, but this time, even as a star herself, Billie’s reaction felt very relatable. She seemed overwhelmed and emotional, visibly moved in a way that went beyond the moment. As a lifelong fan, it felt like she was connecting with a younger part of herself. Music speaks to the emotional parts of our brain and can bring us back to moments in our lives that feel full of nostalgia.

Big Sean also joined him on stage and shared, “You dedicated your whole life to this, you gave us your whole life. I think I speak for everyone when I say thank you, bro. Directly or indirectly, I think you showed us what purpose was.” He also added, “I gotta say I’m so proud. I’ve seen a lot of the things you’ve gone through, I’ve seen you at times where it wasn’t always beautiful, but you fought through it. In a world where everyone’s trying to take over the world, you give over the world, bro.”

Moments like these remind us how meaningful it can be to revisit who we once were. Not to stay there, but to acknowledge and honor that version of ourselves. There’s something quietly healing about witnessing growth, both in others and within ourselves.

LISTEN
🎙️ Noah Kahan: Imposter Syndrome, Anxiety & The Pressure of Success (What He’s Never Shared Before)

In this episode of the On Purpose with Jay Shetty podcast, Jay sits down with singer-songwriter Noah Kahan to discuss life as an artist and his mental health. Noah opens up about his therapy journey, struggles with body dysmorphia, and his relationships with his family. I also recently watched his documentary on Netflix and highly recommend it if you enjoy this episode. Listen here.

Today’s Affirmation

RESOURCES
Books

• Reparenting the Inner Child: The New Science of Our Oldest Wounds and How to Heal Them by Dr. Nicole LePera

If you're in Maryland or DC and looking to discuss therapy options, you can find me at Mindful Therapy Collective.

Disclaimer: This content is for educational and entertainment purposes only and it is not a replacement for individualized therapy.