Finding Stillness in the Noise
In a world of back-to-back meetings, lunches eaten at our desks, and a steady stream of caffeine just to stay afloat, where is the space to reconnect with our own body and breath? These patterns—often normalized in today’s workplace—aren’t just exhausting; they can quietly erode our mental health.
Layer on the added pressure of organizational change, heavier workloads, or simply trying to maintain performance amid uncertainty, and it's clear that many employees are operating in a state of constant tension. The question is: how can we better support people who continue to show up and contribute every day?
One answer may lie in a tool that’s ancient, accessible, and remarkably effective: sound.
The Bridge Between Stress and Stillness
Sound—particularly when used in meditative or mindful settings—activates the body’s parasympathetic nervous system. This is the part of our nervous system responsible for rest, digestion, and recovery. In contrast to the high-alert, “fight-or-flight” state that constant work demands can create, sound-based practices help shift us toward calm.
Studies have shown that even short moments of focused listening—whether to ambient soundscapes, resonant instruments, or frequency-based meditations—can:
Reduce anxiety and improve focus
Increase feelings of safety and presence
Help regulate heart rate and breath
Encourage emotional resilience
Reimagining Work with Sound in Mind
What would it look like if we gave employees two minutes of sound-based grounding before a high-stakes meeting? Or closed out a team sprint with a brief, shared sonic pause to help everyone reset?
These small shifts send a powerful message: we value our people not just for their output, but for their wellbeing.
Sound can be a bridge—between overdrive and recovery, between burnout and balance. It doesn’t require a complete culture overhaul, but it does require intention.
If we’re serious about improving the employee experience, we must explore all the ways we can meet people where they are—and help them come back to themselves.
About the Author:
Matt Marsiglia is a sound healer, music producer, and advocate for mental wellbeing in the workplace. He leads immersive sound experiences for teams and organizations through his Corporate Wellness Program. Learn more at marsigproductions.com/corporate-wellness.
