This just in: Noise-canceling headphones aren’t just a fun accessory—they’re actually an amazing mental health tool.
I use noise-canceling headphones all the time and have noticed they have a major impact on my mental state. Regular headphones don’t hit the same way, and there’s a reason. Noise-canceling headphones reduce both anxiety and pain.
That deserves some talking about.
My love affair with headphones goes way back. Keep reading, because I share the best noise-canceling headphones below!
I’m obsessed with music. I’m not personally musically talented, but I will listen to it and dance all day, every day. As a full-time fitness instructor, I constantly create new playlists for my classes.
So a few years ago, I wanted to be able to focus easier while memorizing the drops for my spin classes, so I upgraded to the noise-canceling headphones world and bought myself a pair of rose gold Beats.
As soon as I put on my new headphones it was love at first beat.
Like, woah. The noise-canceling aspect makes such a big difference in how you experience the music. It was definitely an upgrade—and not just because I could hear the music in more detail.
I felt different.
I noticed quickly that I have much less anxiety and pain when I use my noise-canceling headphones. They help me focus and tune out the rest of the world easier, especially in high-stress situations like the airport.
Because the headphones reduce the amount of stimulation you’re experiencing, you feel like you’re in your own little musical pod.
(If you’re an empath, this is super useful to block out the energies around you.)
Turns out, what I experienced personally has also been proven scientifically!
Listening to music with noise-canceling headphones has been proven to reduce pain and anxiety.
Yes, the noise-canceling part is important.
This study from the National Center for Biotechnology Information examined subjects’ pain and anxiety levels while receiving electrical shocks. It measured listening to music from regular headphones, noise-canceling headphones, or just a speaker somewhere else.
And guess what? The results showed significant differences between the ones who used noise-canceling headphones and everyone else, with a bigger reduction in reported anxiety and pain.
It’s helpful to listen to mood-boosting music either way, but using noise-canceling headphones is specifically effective.
Loud construction going on outside? Roommate getting on your nerves? Crying baby in the DMV?
Noise-cancelling headphones come to the rescue every time.
Tuning out the rest of the world helps you tune in to yourself. It lets your brain feel that you have the space and safety to calm down. It’s a powerful mindfulness assist.
Everything you experience is a dual effort on the part of your Mind and your Body. They’re always working together, as one. If your brain experiences too much stress, your pain will definitely get worse.
On the other hand, if you can calm down both your Mind + Body, you’ll turn on your body’s parasympathic nervous system. That’s the opposite of your Fight or Flight reaction; it’s when your body repairs and recovers.
This is how you heal.
Of course, what you listen to matters, too.
I think it’s safe to say your anxiety isn’t going anywhere if you start blasting death metal music. Or, maybe death metal is really your thing, in which case it helps! We’ll all prefer different sounds.
What I ask is that you be mindful of how what you’re listening to is making you feel. If it’s not helping, you need to change to something that will.
Ideally, to reduce pain and anxiety and shift your body into a state of healing, you’ll want to listen to calm, soothing music, positive mantras or affirmations (I love this album by Beautiful Chorus), guided meditations, ASMR, or even calming audiobooks.
Keep in mind that your favorite up-tempo songs, though positive, may be too stimulating. You want to go for a spa-like vibe.
Be sure to read the rest of these tips to help reduce your anxiety (and, as a result, your pain)!
Here are my top noise-canceling headphone recommendations:
- Apple AirPods Pro
- These are currently my #1 choice, because the noise-canceling feature works even when you’re not playing any sounds through these; they can act as a sort of earplug. You can also turn the noise-canceling off for safety, like when you’re walking through traffic, or when you need to be able to hear your kids.
The noise-canceling feature (which is only on the Pro model) is incredible. I like that I can wear them while I do my hair etc when I get ready in the morning without bumping around my bulkier headphones.
- Beats by Dre
- Obviously, I am in love with mine! They’ve held up incredibly well over time, and the sound quality is worth the cost. The ear cushions on mine did start to kind of fall apart by year 3 (with constant, daily use, mind). But I found these incredible replacement pads, and now my headphones are as good as new! I use this case to transport them safely, since they don’t come with one.
- Sony Headphones
- These are what I would buy if I needed another pair. They boast music industry-standard sound quality and awesome reviews! I haven’t tested them personally, but they come highly recommended.
- Mpow Headphones
- Coming in for a steal of $40, these are the best budget option I could find for you, with outstanding reviews. Most of these noise-canceling headphones are at a notably high price point, but these will deliver the same benefits, for less!
I hope this helps you remember that you CAN feel better—and sometimes all it takes is pressing play.
» Song Vibes «
Have you noticed that using noise-canceling headphones helps when you have anxiety or pain? I’d love to hear your experiences in the Comments below!
xo,
Amy
This post is not sponsored, but it does contain affiliate links. I truly love these products and know you will, too. Thanks for supporting the blog!
Photos by Matthew Hanley, edits by me