Listening Habits Revealed: 6 Expert Rituals to Help You Unwind
This is the season where the cold, dark days can feel never-ending, so it’s no surprise that wellbeing is top of mind, with searches for “wellbeing tips” peaking at the start of every year.
Listening to audio is already a weekly habit for many, with 92% of people in the UK tuning in each week, rising to 97% among 35- to 44-year-olds. Scientific research has shown that music can influence physiological processes such as heart rate, breathing and nervous system activity, supporting physical and mental wellbeing.
We worked with Audio brand, KEF, to provide tips on how to shift towards more mindful listening, showing that how we listen matters just as much as what we listen to.
Audio Experts Reveal 6 Listening Rituals to Help You Switch Off
1. Start with a pause before you press play
Take a moment to sit down, relax your shoulders, unclench your jaw, and take a slow breath. This brief pause helps your brain shift out of a state of rushing and reacting, and into a calmer state where music can have a greater impact.
2. Pick music based on what you need today
Instead of always reaching for your usual playlist, choose music that aligns with your desired outcome. If you’re feeling stressed, try slower tracks with space and softness. If you feel flat, choose something rhythmic and energising. If you feel emotionally overloaded, choose something familiar that feels safe. The best listening rituals are personal and can change from day to day.
3. Commit to one full track without skipping
Many people now listen the way we scroll, constantly switching and searching for the next thing. In fact, almost half of the streams are skipped before the end of the track, with a 24.14% likelihood of listeners jumping to the next song within the first five seconds. Instead, try choosing one track and listening from start to finish without skipping. Even a few minutes of focused listening can feel surprisingly grounding, especially when your attention feels stretched thin.
4. Keep your ritual short so it becomes a habit
Well-being habits are most effective when they are realistic and achievable. Five minutes after lunch, ten minutes after work, or half of an album on a weekend morning is enough. The goal is to make listening easy to repeat, because consistency matters more than perfection.
5. Make listening the only activity for a few minutes
Try creating one listening moment each day where you focus solely on music, without distractions like emails, scrolling, or housework. Even a short window of focused attention can make music feel more immersive and emotionally effective.
6. Upgrade the quality of sound to change the experience
The way music sounds can change how it makes you feel. When the audio is clear and well-balanced, everything feels a little smoother and more immersive. KEF products are designed to bring out the best in every listen, helping you feel more connected to the music, especially when you’re winding down and taking time to reset.