Music and Happiness - Truth or Myth?

MUSIC - Have you ever had the experience of listening to a song and instantly feel good and happy? I know I have. Music seems to be an international language. Most if not everyone likes listening to music. Yes, we do have different tastes and different kind of style and genres but it is still Music.

So why is that so? Well, I decided to be curious and did some research on this. Apparently, when we listen to a song or a type of music that we like or resonate with our heart, our brain releases a "feel good" neurochemical called Dopamine. This same chemical is released when we experience reward and pleasure like satisfying our desires for food, sleep and sex. How cool is that?

That being said, neurological studies of music on the brain also shows that we humans tend to interpret and react differently emotionally to a piece of music. For example, when you listen to a song that has a fast tempo and written in a major key, you tend to breathe harder which is a physical sign of happiness. Likewise, sad music (usually with a slow tempo) will cause your pulse to slow down and increase your blood pressure (which can indicate something stressful). Oh No!

Does that mean only Happy music is beneficial? Hmmmm.... Yes and no because it really depends on what Mood you are in and what do you want to do. I mean if you are angry, some calming and happy music would help lots. If you are down and you just want to cry it out and let it go, heck... indulge on those sad, sad songs.

As the late Bob Marley is frequently quoted for singing:

"One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain."

In view of the above, I decided to come up with a list of songs that make me feel good, positive and happy. Please allow me to share some of them here. In fact, it's called my Positivity Playlist.

Superheroes - The Script

Good Life - OneRepublic

The Power of the Dream - Celine Dion

Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now - Starship

Firework - Katy Perry

Imagine - Nico & Vinz

Together we are One - Delta Goodman

The Climb - Miley Cyrus (yup she did come out with a goods song)

By the Grace of God - Katy Perry

Blessings - Laura Story

Unstoppable - Sia

and a few more....

I'm sure we have our favourite songs. Songs that when we hear it, instantly puts us in the right mindset and mood. Let me know which one is yours in the Comments. Please help me expand my list. Cheers! Putting my headphones on now. Ta!