Have you been in a mood where your hopes have been dashed? At that moment you want your soul mate to comfort you. Instead you pull out your Spotify app and look for “sad songs”. On the flip side, you received news that you landed your new job. Instead of celebrating with friends you turn on an “energizing music mix”.
Whether it’s choosing your morning rhythm, music to focus by or your prized work-out mix, music is a part of us.
What is it that causes music to trigger that emotional response in us?
Research indicates that music stimulates emotions through specific brain circuits. We see how music and the brain engage mood and emotion when a child smiles and begins to dance to a rhythm. We witness the calming effect of music as a mother sings a lullaby to her child.
Listening to music can create peak emotions, which increase the amount of dopamine, stimulating the brain’s pleasure center.
“Music’s beneficial effects on mental health have been known for thousands of years”. You recall how King David use music to soothe and comfort himself? But I will sing of your strength; I will sing aloud of your steadfast love in the morning. For you have been to me a fortress and a refuge in the day of my distress. Psalms 59:16.
“Music is so effective in reducing anxiety, it is often used in dental, pre-operative, and radiation therapy settings to help patients cope with their worries about procedures.
Did you know? A 2013 study in the Journal of Positive Psychology found that people who listened to upbeat music could improve their moods and boost their happiness in just two weeks.
What does this mean for you and I? It’s a tool you can use in your wellness journey.
How can you put this into practice?
Need a spark of creativity? Put on this Energizing mix
Is life grating on your last nerve? Play a Relaxing blend
Feeling a bit blue? Listen to some Uplifting tunes
Need the push to head to the gym? Work out with this Fun Workout blend
For me, this quote coins it very well…. 
In Him who spurs me to write this blog for you…
Deb
For more info on music and how it affects your mood check out these sources on : YouTube, Healthline, Hubpages More Music Playlists to enhance your mood
