Have you ever been listening to a good song and couldn't help but feel happy or upbeat? Have you ever listened to a somber or sad song and just felt down for no particular reason? I don’t think people realize just how much different songs and music styles can affect your mood, even after you listened to them. However, the relationship between mood and music goes both ways, your mood sometimes deciding what songs you want to listen to.
So why do we feel pumped up or happy when we listen to an upbeat song? Well, studies have found that songs with a nice beat and a good tune stimulate dopamine and serotonin production in the brain, therefore making you feel positive. In contrast, mellow or calming songs have the opposite effect, not really stimulating your brain for the dopamine. However, those types of songs are usually recommended for studying because they stimulate the brain and keep it engaged while keeping the dopamine and serotonin production balanced.
As you well know, your mood events your music as well. Depending on what type of mood you are in and most importantly, what mood you want to be in, the music you choose will be different. For example, if you are in a good mood, you would listen to music that makes you feel good or upbeat. You might also listen to a good, wholesome song if you were in need of a little pick-me-up. Whatever it is, the ballad of music and mood is a story as old as time and will continue forever.
By Brooklin Garrison