Listen to the music

Studies have shown music can have a positive impact on us from as early as we are first born.

We all recognise that music can significantly impact our mood, however what you may not know is that this is more than just a feeling. Music releases neurochemicals in the brain that directly impact our mood and mental health.

When we listen to music we enjoy we releases dopamine, a feel good hormone, and it also activates the brain. Relaxing music can increase melatonin release to help us sleep better… unsettling music, like heavy metal can activate the amygdala, releasing adrenaline.

The impact of music on our mental wellbeing is so profound that there is even a field of Music Therapy. Dr. Suzanne B. Hanser, co-author of Manage Your Stress and Pain through Music, explains, “Almost every part of the brain is responsive to music in some way. The fact that [the brain has] such a multidimensional response [to music] is quite an amazing thing because there are few stimulus that can do that, and do it in real time. We change as we listen to music.”

Start integrating music into your day to day.

It’s a great way to transition your daily activities and your mood, especially in hybrid working environments where we may have less physical separation between work and personal time. Play some energising and uplifting music to get you motivated to jump into your day. Play high-energy dance music when working out. Play some jazz or swing when you start to cook. And perhaps wind down with some classical or lounge before bed.

Mix it up.

If you’re always listening to one type of music you’re limiting your responses. Listening to wide repertoire, such as jazz, classical, opera, hip hop will likely stimulate a wider variety of responses and potential benefits.