MUSIC & YOUR MOODS
“When you're happy, you enjoy the music but when you're sad, you Understand the lyrics.”
― Frank Ocean
We each use music to regulate emotions and choose tracks based on how we are feeling, or want to feel.
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We listen to upbeat music when we want to feel happier or get energised to go for a run , workout at the gym or as we get ready for a night out, but we also seek out music to manage negative feelings, like sadness and anger.
People express different emotions when they listen to music. Music can be used as a self therapy as a way to improve mood, self-esteem, and quality of life. Have you noticed how some music has an effect on your thoughts?
Why is it sometimes pleasurable to listen to sad music?
It is beneficial to always listen to positive upbeat music however music can be effective for coping with negative feelings such as helping to release tension and understand our own emotions better. Slow tempo music has great effect on calming your mood and relating to lyrics can comfort you by working as a outlet when you feel down.
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I suggest allowing yourself a short period of ''sad music time'' when you are struggling to release your negative emotions, the music can help you. You may even find some comfort in the song journey of similar experience and recognise that others have felt the same way as you before.
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Listen to happy tracks to help boost your mood into a more positive state. I have some playlists below for your listening.
Upbeat music playlist (over 3 hours of listening)
Mellow music playlist (over 7 hours of listening)
WARNING: Music playlists may use explicit or offensive language.
The Journal of Positive Psychology conducted a study in 2013 that discovered individuals who listened to music that could be classified as happy and upbeat were able to improve their mood and overall happiness in just a few weeks (as music can release dopamine when you are having a pleasurable experience).
Music is so powerful that research suggests it is a good use of therapy. For those with Depression or experiencing ongoing sadness, it is recommended to listen to only upbeat music as sad music is not helpful as it may encourage a negative cycle of thinking.