You know those articles that sneak onto your social feed and make you feel personally attacked? That was me a few months ago, scrolling innocently, when I stumbled across one that claimed the body doesn’t age steadily but in dramatic waves, most notably at ages 44 and 60.
I blinked. I sighed. I may have closed the tab out of spite. But the article stuck with me, probably because, well, I’m staring down the barrel of 44 (not until August, but let’s keep that between us).
It landed around the same time my Spotify Wrapped came out, reminding me that while I love music, I’d apparently spent last year listening to the exact same songs on loop. And as a self-proclaimed music nerd who chooses concerts over sporting events almost every time, I felt… called out.
That article planted a seed that’s quietly grown into some actual lifestyle changes. I started walking more. Nothing wild, just carving out space in my day for movement. I’ve become the person doing laps around the field during my daughter’s soccer practice, earbuds in. More loops around the neighborhood. Even a few trips to the gym, just to walk.
I cleaned up my eating a bit too. Again, no dramatic declarations, just fewer late-night snacks, a little more green on the plate, and less time spent in the Taco Bell drive-thru. Somehow, I’m down 10–15 pounds, and I’m walking more than I have since I worked in Boston and had to hoof it to and from the train every day.
But the best part?
The music.
I became laser-focused on breaking my Spotify algorithm. I was stuck in a loop of the same bands I’ve loved for years. Comforting, yes, but I wanted something fresh. Did you know nearly 100,000 new songs are uploaded every single day, yet 70% of listening time is spent on old music?
Challenge accepted.
So far this year, I’ve doubled the number of new artists and tracks I’ve listened to compared to last year. I’ve found bands I can’t wait to see live—like The Strike. Their song “The Getaway” is all the proof you need that soft rock has officially risen from the dead, saxophone and all. And if you’re looking to shake up your own music routine, start with Spotify’s – All New Indie playlist. It’s a gateway to rediscovering that sense of curiosity we sometimes lose along the way.
If you’ve ever spent time with me in a 401(k) education meeting, you know I’m a big believer in small changes you can sustain over time. That applies to money and, as it turns out, to health and music too.
It’s working. I’m walking into 44 feeling better than I have in a long time. My inbox is always open to music recommendations, or extra concert tickets, but I’ll make sure my earplugs are close by.
Because hearing loss? That’s not just a warning label. That’s real.
