How Does Music Affect Mood?

Music has the ability to affect one's mood in both good ways and bad. Music can lift you up or bring you down. Studies have shown that the type of music one listens to triggers certain emotions. For instance, grunge music has been shown to make a person feel more hostility or sadness. There is no absolute rule that one type of music will make you feel a certain way. Music is a very personal experience.

Music often inspires an emotional response in a person even when someone is not aware of it. Listening to a song from your youth can instantly take you back to that time in your life. It may look like you are a mature responsible adult doing dishes, or washing the car, but in your mind, you are 17 again and hanging out with friends.

An individual's experience is the main determination as to how a certain song affects their mood. The happiest song may bring tears to the eyes of the person who was listening to it when tragic news was received.

However, some styles are thought to have certain effects. Classical music is said to be relaxing and listening to this style while going to sleep can be helpful for those who have trouble sleeping. If you are not a fan of classical music, then any style you like can be part of your nightly routine. Music relaxes us and is a great way to unwind.

Choosing different styles of music depending on the mood you want is the key to using music to benefit your life. Find songs that inspire you, songs that energize you, songs that make you feel joy and songs that calm you down. At times even music that makes us cry has its place. There are days when a good cry is exactly what is needed to release frustration.