How Music Changes your Mood

 Are you sad, depressed, or anxious maybe? You will be glad to know that you can chase all the blues away just by listening to your favorite music. Considered as a natural antidepressant, music can give you the euphoric high that antidepressant medications can bring. So if you are looking for a great way to end your crappy day, read on to learn more about how music can uplift your mood almost instantly.

How Music Affects the Brain

Music is known to tap into various parts of the brain, that is why it is utilized by many experts in treating depressed or anxious patients. The meter, timber, rhythm and pitch of music are managed in areas of the brain that deal with emotions and mood. These key areas are the hippocampus, prefrontal cortex and the parietal lobe.

The hippocampus, a structure of the limbic system, is responsible for spatial orientation, navigation and the consolidation of new memories. It also brings about emotional responses. The prefrontal cortex, on the other hand, manages extreme impulses and emotions. Known as the “seat of good judgment,” it enables one to make good and acceptable calls so that inappropriate behaviors are prevented.

As for the parietal lobe, it is in charge of spatial orientation, information processing and cognition, affects many others.Because of its ability to alter the different parts of the brain, music has been utilized in a number of therapies. For example, it has been applied to stroke victims to teach them how to talk once again. At the same time, it is recommended to stutterers so that they can dictate words clearly once again. Since it reaches the emotion-related barriers too, music is now being utilized as a mood-altering therapy for depressed.

How Music Uplifts Your Mood

Whenever you are feeling down and blue, music can get you out of the dumps – literally. Here are ways on how music can help improve your mood:

·       Music can make you happy.

A lot of people turn to upbeat music whenever they feel sad or depressed, and it comes as no surprise why it is a viable solution for people feeling blue. For several years, music has made a lot of individuals happy. That’s because soothing tunes foster the release of serotonin, a hormone that fosters happiness and a general sense of well-being. It also flushes the body with dopamine, a neurotransmitter that makes you feel good. Music also paves the way for the release of norepinephrine, a hormone that brings about euphoria and elation.

With all the hormones that flood the body with happy thoughts, you do not have to purchase expensive anti-depressant medications just to feel better.

·       Music can reduce your stresses.

Are work-related stresses making you feel sad and anxious? A great way to relieve the tensions that bring you down is to listen to music. Soothing tunes can help relax your tensed muscles, as well as pace down your breathing rate. With these physiologic changes, you can eliminate the stresses that can make you cranky and moody.

·       Music can change your perception.

Even if a thing that saddens you is not present in front you, it can make you feel down for the days to come – especially if you let it get to you. But if you want to enjoy a more positive view in life, then what you need to do is listen to your favorite tunes.

·       Music can modify your brain waves.

Music does not only change your present disposition, it can alter your future mood as well. Even if you turn that iPod off, the music that you just listened to can significantly change your brain waves. That means a positive mood for the hours (even days) to come.