What Happened That Made Armin van Buuren Decide to Change Himself in an Unbelievable Way?

In the world of electronic dance music (EDM), few names shine as brightly as Armin van Buuren. For over two decades, he has been one of the most respected and influential DJs and producers on the planet. Known for his energetic trance anthems, sold-out stadium shows, and tireless work ethic, Armin seemed to have it all.

But beneath the flashing lights and thumping bass, something was wrong. In recent years, Armin van Buuren has opened up about a life-changing realization that forced him to take a hard look at himself — not as a superstar DJ, but as a human being. What exactly happened to push him toward such a dramatic personal transformation?

The Warning Signs: Burnout Behind the Turntables

For most of his career, Armin van Buuren was known for his relentless schedule. He was the kind of artist who never stopped:

• Touring across the globe every weekend,

• Hosting his legendary A State of Trance (ASOT) radio show weekly without fail,

• Releasing multiple singles, remixes, and albums every year,

• Managing his Armada Music label,

• Engaging with fans across countless platforms.

From the outside, it looked like Armin was living his dream. But on the inside, the cracks were forming.

In interviews, Armin began to confess that the constant pressure to perform and produce was taking a toll on his mental health. He struggled with anxiety, self-doubt, and an overwhelming feeling of never being able to “switch off.” Even moments of success felt fleeting because his mind was already racing toward the next deadline.

A Personal Loss That Changed Everything

The breaking point for Armin came with the loss of his father in 2010, a painful moment that shook his world. While he initially buried himself deeper in work to cope with the grief, the emotional scars lingered.

Years later, during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the world shut down and the music industry came to a standstill, Armin found himself facing something he rarely had time for: silence. Without the noise of constant touring and production deadlines, he was left alone with his thoughts. And for the first time in decades, he was forced to confront the emotional weight he had been carrying.

The Pandemic Pause: A Forced Reflection

During lockdown, Armin realized how much of his life had been running on autopilot. Like many people during that period, he started asking deeper questions:

• Who am I without the music?

• What truly makes me happy?

• Why am I always chasing the next big thing?

For someone who had built his identity on constant motion, being still was uncomfortable. But it was also necessary.

He took the time to reconnect with his family, spend meaningful time with his wife Erika van Thiel, and be present as a father to his two children. Slowly, the pieces of a new Armin van Buuren began to form.

The Gratitude Challenge: A Turning Point

One of the most surprising and heartwarming revelations from Armin came in 2023 when he launched his personal “Gratitude Challenge.” Inspired by mental health experts and mindfulness practices, Armin decided to commit to daily gratitude exercises. Every day for 30 days, he wrote down things he was grateful for, no matter how big or small.

He shared this journey with his fans on social media, encouraging them to join him. What started as a personal healing journey became a global movement, with thousands of fans from around the world participating.

In Armin’s own words:

“Gratitude changed my life. When I started focusing on what I have instead of what I lack, everything shifted. I felt lighter, happier, and more connected.”

Changing His Approach to Music

Armin’s personal growth began to influence his music. His later releases, such as “Feel Again” and “One More Time,” reflected themes of self-acceptance, joy, and presence in the moment.

Instead of chasing chart success or mainstream radio plays, Armin returned to creating music that felt authentic to him. He experimented with different sounds, collaborated with new artists, and allowed himself the freedom to explore creatively.

His sets, too, evolved. While still packed with energy, they became more emotionally resonant, blending uplifting trance with deeper, more reflective moments.

Prioritizing Mental Health in the Music Industry

Armin van Buuren also became a vocal advocate for mental health awareness, especially in the demanding world of the music industry. He spoke openly about the pressures DJs and producers face, from exhausting tour schedules to the addiction of constant social media validation.

In multiple interviews and podcasts, Armin urged young artists to:

• Take breaks,

• Set healthy boundaries,

• Seek therapy if needed,

• Surround themselves with supportive people.

He made it clear that success without mental peace is meaningless.

Family First: Redefining Success

Perhaps the most profound shift in Armin’s life has been his prioritization of family over fame.

Before his transformation, Armin often missed key moments in his children’s lives because of touring commitments. Now, he schedules his work around family time, not the other way around.

Success, for Armin, is no longer measured in awards or streaming numbers but in the quality of his relationships and his personal well-being.

The Public’s Reaction: Inspired and Supportive

Fans and fellow artists alike have celebrated Armin’s openness. Many found his vulnerability refreshing in a world where celebrities often maintain a polished facade.

His willingness to talk about mental health struggles, grief, and burnout resonated deeply with those facing similar challenges in their own lives. Through his honesty, Armin has become more than a musical icon — he has become a symbol of personal resilience and emotional growth.

Armin van Buuren’s Legacy: More Than Just Music

Today, Armin van Buuren stands as one of the most influential figures in electronic music, but his legacy has expanded beyond the turntables.

He is a reminder that:

• Even at the top, people struggle.

• Healing is possible at any stage of life.

• True success is found within, not in external achievements.

Armin’s transformation from a burnout-prone workaholic to a balanced, grateful human being is a powerful story of reinvention.

Looking to the Future: What’s Next for Armin?

As of 2025, Armin continues to produce music and perform, but with a much healthier balance. He’s actively involved in wellness initiatives within the music industry, and there are rumors that he might write a book or launch a podcast about his journey toward mental well-being.

Musically, fans can expect him to continue pushing boundaries while staying true to his trance roots. He remains passionate about mentoring young artists through Armada Music and using his platform to promote positivity and self-care.

Final Thoughts: The Unbelievable Change

What happened to make Armin van Buuren change himself in such an unbelievable way? Life happened. Loss, burnout, reflection, and ultimately, gratitude.

He went from chasing every stage and accolade to finding joy in the simple things: a quiet morning with his family, a grateful heart, and a renewed love for the music that started it all.

In a world obsessed with hustle and hustle culture, Armin van Buuren’s story is a reminder that sometimes, the bravest thing you can do is slow down and ask yourself, “Am I truly happy?”