“Alexa, Play HOT TO GO”—How One Song Turned My Day Around
“Alexa, play HOT TO GO by Chappell Roan” is practically a mantra in my house—a daily request that brings energy into our lives.
This morning, though, was different. I didn’t want to start my day. Sure, I had been up for hours already: getting the kids dressed and fed, sending them off to school, organizing our chaotic family calendar, prepping meals, and having those “what’s the plan this week?” chats with my partner. The day had technically begun, but emotionally, I was still stuck.
Some days, everything just feels like too much. The constant stream of heavy news, my kids’ stories about delicate playground friendships, the mountain of emails waiting for replies (apologies if you’re still waiting to hear back from me!), and the endless juggling act of life’s demands—family, friends, work, and the elusive search for balance.
I needed a reset.
So, I did what I know works: I called on music. With intention, I asked Alexa to play HOT TO GO. Not for the kids, not for anyone else—this time, it was for me. Wooden spoon in hand, I sang at the top of my lungs. I danced like no one (hopefully not even my neighbors) were watching. For those three minutes, it was my solo performance, complete with my imaginary sold-out crowd. And you know what? It worked.
The magic of music turned my mood around. I felt lighter, more energized, and ready to tackle the world—or at least my inbox and the inevitable “why can’t we have chocolate chip pancakes for every meal?” questions from my kids.
Why Does Music Have This Power?
There’s a science to this magic:
- Endorphin Release: Music triggers the brain’s pleasure centers, flooding it with feel-good chemicals.
- Positive Associations: A familiar tune can transport us to happy memories, amplifying our mood.
- Movement and Energy: Dancing or moving along raises your heart rate, which increases dopamine levels and gives you that natural boost.
- Active Listening: Certain sounds and frequencies can even influence the nervous system, helping to calm or energize us.
It’s incredible how a single song can do all that.
Resonant Minds: Bringing Music to Mindful Action
If you’re curious about how to harness music’s potential more intentionally, I’m thrilled to share that, Resonant Minds: The Transformative Power of Music, One Note at a Time, (coauthored with my father, Dr. Morton Sherman) is now available for preorder and will be released on April 15. This book dives into the depths of using music for mindful action, offering curated playlists, activities, and insights that help you bring purposeful and intentional use of music to our everyday lives. Writing alongside my father was an incredibly special experience, and our family stories are woven throughout its pages, adding a personal touch to the journey.
How Can We Use Music to Reset Daily?
Let’s face it: we’ve all had those days where it feels like we’ve lived a lifetime, and it’s not even 9 a.m. The beauty of music is that it’s always there for us—whether it’s a quick solo dance party, a shared singalong with the kids, or a moment of stillness with headphones and your favorite tune.
Here are a few tips to integrate music as a mood booster into your daily routine:
- Start Your Day with a Power Song: Find a track that instantly energizes you and make it part of your morning ritual.
- Create Playlists for Different Moods: Have go-to playlists for relaxation, motivation, or pure fun.
- Involve Your Family: Turn a hectic evening into a dance party, or use music to spark conversations with your kids about their favorite tunes.
- Take a Solo Music Break: Even five minutes of listening to or dancing to music can reset your mindset.
So, the next time life feels overwhelming, try this: pause, pick a song, and let it work its magic. Whether you’re holding a wooden spoon microphone or not, you might just find yourself feeling ready to take on the world—or at least the day ahead.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to ask Alexa to play HOT TO GO…again.
Written by Sara Sherman, Director of Mozart for Munchkins and author of Resonant Minds: The Transformative Power of Music, One Note at a Time (available now for preorder!)
