Music and Mood

Music has a great deal of power.  Sometimes the right song can put into words just how we are feeling when we can’t find the words to express it on our own.  Other times it can transport us to another time in our life as a vivid reminder of a person, place or significant memory.  Music can even help boost learning and memory.  Think about it – when you were little you learned how to memorize information by singing songs – like the ABC song to memorize your alphabet.

Music has a proven, physiological effect on your brain.  Music can bring comfort, relief, understanding, and enjoyment.  It can help relieve stress, reduce anxiety, celebrate successes, and build enthusiasm.  (There are so many examples of the impact that music has in our lives, but think about a big sporting event and the music playing before the start of the game… it definitely serves a purpose beyond just adding noise!)  Sometimes it is the tone, beat, or rhythm that impacts you and sometimes it will be the words of the song which help motivate and lift you up.

Research has shown that most any type of music has the potential to help lift your mood – it doesn’t have to be just soothing, classical music like people will sometimes suggest.  However, you know how songs impact you so try to keep that in mind because if you are electing to listen to sad songs then the impact of that is that it will likely take your mood down rather than bolster it up.

People often share that they enjoy listening to or performing music as a stress reliever or an escape from the moment and this is great because music is a powerful tool that anyone can use.  So how can you use music to help regulate your mood?

When you are feeling down, don’t just listen to music that matches your mood.  I will be honest, this can be tough.  If you are feeling really sad then just turning on a happy, upbeat song may annoy you and, if you’re anything like me, result in you just turning the music off completely.  So, rather than do that, make a play list of music that can help shift your mood.  Maybe start with a song or two that matches your mood when you are down and then gradually select songs that will lift you to a more positive place.  This will help you to not just get frustrated and turn it off because the transition will be more gradual.  And, if you experiment with it and find that you get to a song and it feels like a harsh jump, look at changing the song order or remove that song from your “mood enhancing” playlist completely.  I will acknowledge that it is typically better to try to create this type of a playlist in advance rather than when you actually are in need of it to help lift your mood.

Additionally, remember that music impacts you beyond just the moments that you are listening to the song.  After all, how many times later in the day or perhaps even days later do you find yourself stuck silently singing the same song to yourself over and over again.  If it is a song that encourages, uplifts and propels you forward that is much more beneficial to your mood and overall well-being.

So go, enjoy getting lost in the music and I’d love to hear what your best “go-to” upbeat and encouraging song is.

Also, here are two articles related to music that you might like:

Researchers find that this song can reduce anxiety by 65% 

The songs you listen to can change the way you see the world