Does music impact your mood?

Music is really important in the life of a lot of people. You can listen to it while you’re in the shower, working out, relaxing, or at a party. It can be classical, rock, pop or metal. There is an infinite number of genres so you can always find something suitable. But what we’re looking at today is, does music impact your mood? After a few interviews and a lot of research, we have an answer.

These days, a phone is the easiest way to listen to music. The Spotify Wrapped 2023 just came out, so I thought I would ask a few of my friends to see how much they listened to music. Maybe people who listened to music a lot had a different opinion on my main question than the those who barely listened to music. On average, my friends listened to music for 11 000 minutes, or 183 hours. Something interesting is that those who listened the most thought that music really changed our feelings, while those who barely listened to music didn’t really have an opinion or thought that music wasn’t that impactful.

So, does music have an impact on our mood? The short answer is yes. Listening to upbeat, happy music will better your mood. Why though? Research shows that happy music causes our brain to produce dopamine and serotonin. Dopamine is a neuro-transmitter that gives us a feeling of joy, satisfaction or motivation. Serotonin is a chemical that helps you sleep and control your mood. Low serotonin can lead to depression. Music can also help you cope with stress. Research has shown that certain genres of music can help lower your blood pressure, which really helps because high blood pressure causes high levels of stress.

I have interviewed a few people, so thanks to Leonardo, Alexis and the others. Alexis said : ‘’I think music has a positive impact on my mood. It helps me relax’’. Leonardo said : ‘’Music distracts me from my problems if i have any. I find it calming’’. Another person told me : ‘’I think that listening to ‘sad’ music does make you sad, music absolutely changes our emotions’’. Most people said that they change the music they listen to depending on what they’re doing.

In conclusion, music really seems to change how people feel. Some use it to feel motivated, others use it to relax. So if you’re ever feeling down, listening to upbeat music might just help you feel better.

Mathias Peetroons / S4EN enrichment / EEB1 Uccle