It’s no surprise that music is such a big factor in our lives. One song can make all the difference in our day and can take us from sad and gloomy to excited and joyful. So why exactly is it that music has such a big effect on our emotions?
A Mood Booster
Research has found that music helps people improve their moods as well as enhance their self-confidence. This is due to the fact that music releases dopamine in the brain, particularly in the areas known as the dorsal and ventral striatum.
These are the same parts of your brain that tend to light up whenever you are having a pleasurable experience – like listening to music for example.
It Changes How You View the World
Many people relieve a particular memory whenever they hear a specific song. As a result, it can bring up the same emotions you were feeling at the time of that experience. Music can also have a physical effect on you that you may not even be aware of.
Research has shown that a particular song that you are listening to may be able to influence your heart rate. Even more surprising, those who find themselves singing in a group together will experience synchronized and positive emotions.
Music Can Be Used as Therapy
Music has such a profound effect on humans that it is even used as a form of therapy. Studies have found that people who were going into surgery and were having anxiety about it felt less stressed out before and after listening to music.
The same study also discovered that those who listened to music while they were undergoing surgery needed less pain medication after the surgery. Over the years, researchers have also discovered that music can help people suffering from conditions such as dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis.
Music Is Low-Risk
Lots of research has been done on music and its effects on humans due to the fact that it is low-risk. It’s the same reason why it is oftentimes touted as a form of therapy for those dealing with a particular health condition.