How Can Music Influence Us?

While the majority of us like listening to music for entertainment, we should also be
aware that it can improve your wellbeing in general. The effect of music is absolutely
astonishing, from lowering stress and enhancing cognitive function to encouraging and
inspiring creativity. In many situations, music may even have an impact on brain function "to
the same extent as medication," according to Stanford University experts. Music can affect
how you feel in many different ways.

Most people won't be surprised to learn that music has an emotional impact on the
brain. Each of us has a particular music that makes us feel different ways. A 2013 study
published in the Journal of Positive Psychology found that people's moods and levels of
happiness might be improved within a few weeks by listening to music that could be
categorized as upbeat and pleasant. Participants were urged to work on raising their mood
during the trial, but they only succeeded when they listened to upbeat music.

In the same way that music can make you happy, the same reaction and release of
dopamine can be considered a natural antidepressant. When we’re talking about the way in
which music can be used clinically, we’re talking about music therapy. In experiments where
people looked at a happy face or a sad face, the music they listened to affected how they
perceived it. It influenced what they saw. If you were listening to happy music, a more neutral
face was more likely to be viewed as happy, and vice versa.

One of the most effective stress relievers is music. The calming effects of relaxing
music and its intimate connection to our emotions can make it a useful stress-reduction
technique, allowing us to decompress and perhaps even take a break. Even the most intense
music can help you deal with stress, as elevated blood pressure is both a cause and a symptom
of stress. Listening to music can lower your cortisol levels in addition to lowering blood
pressure. Regardless of the listener's musical preferences, research has shown that symphonic
music can reduce cortisol levels. Numerous studies have shown that listening to music on a
regular basis can improve general health and well-being.

Next time you're feeling down, just press play on some upbeat music. The music will
pick you up and put a smile on your face. Even better, remember back to a specific time in your
life. A time you were really happy. Then, try to remember what music you listened to back
then, and play that. You will be flooded with the emotions you experienced at that time,
affecting the way you experience the world around you in the present moment. It might be
worth turning on your favorite playlist while you're at work, whether you enjoy the Beatles,
Beethoven, or Boyzone, to reduce stress and increase motivation.
Bibliography
Starling, Louisa. “How Does Music Affect Your Mood and Reduce Stress.” PPL PRS, 6

Jan. 2022, pplprs.co.uk/health-wellbeing/music-reduce-stress/#:~:text=Happy

%2C%20upbeat%20music%20causes%20our.

“How Does Music Affect Your Mood? | Music and Emotion Relationship.” Aimm.edu,

2 Aug. 2019, www.aimm.edu/blog/how-does-music-affect-your-mood.