To raise awareness for mental health on World Mental Health Day, October 10, Spotify gathered streaming data from playlists on the platform designed to soothe the mind. Playlists related to mental health keywords such as “mindfulness,” “calm,” and “self-care” saw streaming increases of 57 percent over the last year. This information does not come as a surprise, as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing lockdowns and quarantines have had widespread effects on peoples’ overall mental health.
Also on the rise during 2020 are streams for self-help and self-care podcasts. Many have taken these difficult times to learn a new skill, take care of themselves, and generally strive for personal improvement. Spotify reports that streams of this kind of podcast have increased by a whopping 122 percent.
Spotify hosts its own mental health initiative called Heart & Soul that is especially appreciated during this unprecedented year. As the end of 2020 nears, and World Mental Health Day passes, it is more important than ever to focus on one’s mental health, and take care of those around you.
Featured image: Rob Engelaar
