Did you know that when you listen to music, your brain releases dopamine, a chemical that has a key role in setting a good mood? Music is considered a natural therapy that is self-directed and psychological which leads to the release of emotions.

Listening to upbeat music can help you feel happy and release unwanted feelings, while slower music brings relaxation to your body. Soothing music is great for battling depressing feelings and anxiety while sad music helps you to cope with loss and grief

So what makes music so diverse? Here are the reasons:

Music as a Language

Music is similar to a person’s genes wherein your taste or genre in music can be inherited from your parents or family. It can also depend on your personality or mood. Sometimes you might even find yourself interested in music that is in a language you don't speak.

Why not? They say music knows no bounds! People can come together as one because of their love for music, even when they don't speak the same language. They understand each other through music just as well.

Hence the saying, music is a language that does not need words for you to understand.

Music as a Mood Booster or a Friend

“Music touches everyone in some way, either by listening or playing,” said Anthea Innes, Ph.D., head of BUDI, in a press release.

Many people say that listening to sad music can cause more negative feelings. However, to some, it helps them cope and find comfort after the loss of someone or something.

A study from The University of Chicago Press suggested that sad music is comparable to having an empathic friend. It feels like you have someone who knows what you're going through.

Listening to upbeat music can help lighten your mood and give you a boost of happiness. This improves your self-esteem and quality of life.

Music as a Therapy

Music can be super powerful.

It is an effective treatment for neurological conditions as per the recent review in the World Journal of Psychiatry. Examples of these conditions are Parkinson’s disease, dementia, stroke, and multiple sclerosis.

In a 2015 review of The Lancet, listening to music before, during, and after surgery can help you feel less pain. Those who listen to music do not need as much pain medication and can recover faster compared to other patients who do not listen to music.

Listening to music puts you in a happier mood which will then bring benefits beyond feeling good.

We hope that we have given you insights into how diverse music is. How these small gestures of just listening to music can make a difference in a person’s life.

Music can turn into everything you want it to be! Use it wisely.

If you ever:

• feel down
• need someone
• want to boost your mood
• know someone who is about to go on surgery or
• who needs therapy

Go grab your phone and start listening to your music or help them make a playlist of their favorite songs!