HealthOnTrack

Music – mood. Connection? Definitely! Shakespeare wrote “If music be the food of love, play on” but love is not the only emotion that music can trigger; there is music for every mood. We all know how listening to a gentle melody can relax us while the upbeat tempo of dance music makes us want to hit the clubs and party like rock stars. While you can spend an afternoon where you compare iPod accessories, so long as you have a decent set of speakers such as the irythm speakers, you can reap the benefits of music for your mood. The effects of music on mood are very clear, and can be used in the following ways:

• Concentration

Whether you’re sweating it out at the gym and need something fast paced to keep your rhythm up, or if you’re studying and need something to help you relax and focus as you write a report, there is music for your mood.

• Relaxation

Playing relaxing music is a quick and effective way to put you in a calm mood. When we hear music we like, receptors in the ear pick up the sounds and transmit a signal to the brain. The brain starts to release dopamine – a neurotransmitter that is typically associated with elevated mood and pleasure.

• Memories

A certain song can trigger memories (both positive and negative) and when we play the song or music we remember the memory and our mood changes accordingly. Music affects your mood both positively and negatively, so keep this in mind when choosing what to play.

• Romance

If you’re in the mood for love then music is one of the best ways to get your romantic feelings flowing. The lyrics of love songs can also trigger loving emotions that can contribute to your mood.