Music is known to tap into various parts of the brain, that is why it is utilized by many experts in treating depressed or anxious patients. The meter, timber, rhythm and pitch of music are managed in areas of the brain that deal with emotions and mood. These key areas are the hippocampus, prefrontal cortex and the parietal lobe.

The hippocampus, a structure of the limbic system, is responsible for spatial orientation, navigation and the consolidation of new memories. It also brings about emotional responses. The prefrontal cortex, on the other hand, manages extreme impulses and emotions. Known as the “seat of good judgment,” it enables one to make good and acceptable calls so that inappropriate behaviors are prevented.

As for the parietal lobe, it is in charge of spatial orientation, information processing and cognition, affects many others.

Because of its ability to alter the different parts of the brain, music has been utilized in a number of therapies. For example, it has been applied to stroke victims to teach them how to talk once again. At the same time, it is recommended to stutterers so that they can dictate words clearly once again. Since it reaches the emotion-related barriers too, music is now being utilized as a mood-altering therapy for depressed and anxious individuals.

Music can make you happy.

A lot of people turn to upbeat music whenever they feel sad or depressed, and it comes as no surprise why it is a viable solution for people feeling blue. For several years, music has made a lot of individuals happy. That’s because soothing tunes foster the release of serotonin, a hormone that fosters happiness and a general sense of well-being. It also flushes the body with dopamine, a neurotransmitter that makes you feel good. Music also paves the way for the release of norepinephrine, a hormone that brings about euphoria and elation.

With all the hormones that flood the body with happy thoughts, you do not have to purchase expensive anti-depressant medications just to feel better.

Music can motivate you.

Songs with positive messages, such as “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor and “Stronger” by Kelly Clarkson are filled with inspirational meanings that can truly uplift your mood. The messages that are embedded in such songs – plus the euphoria that comes with singing these tunes – can motivate you to brush yourself up and try again.

Why do we choose to listen to sad songs, when there are plenty of happy ones to go around? Adele’s crazy-popular track, 'Someone Like You', didn’t become an international number one hit simply because she has a ridiculous voice (it certainly didn’t hurt though), and who hasn't accidentally listened to too much Jeff Buckley on repeat? What’s going on with us?

A team of psychologists from the Free University of Berlin in Germany decided to investigate the science behind the lure of the melancholy tune by analysing how they make us feel. They gathered data from 772 participants, including 408 from Europe and the rest from Asia, and North America. Each participant was asked to respond to a survey about how often they listen to sad music, what kinds of situations prompted them to do so, and how they feel when they’re listening to it.

What about classic music/

Published on Nov 11, 2012

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