How music affects mood and well-being

1. Stimulates different areas of the brain at the same time

The brain processes sounds in the auditory cortex. It is located in the temporal lobe. Signals come here through the ears, are converted into information and cause some kind of reaction. For example, when we hear a sudden car horn, we reflexively look around because we expect danger.

Music is no exception. But, unlike noise, when listening connect and other areas of the brain that are far from solving purely sound problems. It affects, among other things, the areas responsible for emotions, memory and movement. Because of the latter, for example, people start sway to the beat of the music. And the goosebumps from the songs appear from the fact that at this time connect the same areas of the brain that are responsible for the pleasure of sex and delicious food.

In addition, music is a good brain trainer. It constantly compares signals from the environment and makes predictions. When listening to music, the brain habitually

builds Guessing: Anticipates the next note and tries to follow patterns in the rhythm. As a rule, compositions are complexly structured and constantly throw up surprises. This also applies to seemingly simple pop music: different sound effects, tempo, many instruments, vocals - the brain has something to do. When guesses come true work reward systems. This is what happens when forecasts fail. And at that moment, you admit to yourself that the song is hooked, and add it to your playlist.

2. Regulates emotions

Empathy is built into the human brain. For this process answers mirror neural system. Because of it, in particular, when we see a person who is sad, we experience similar emotions. The same mechanism allows people to adopt the mood inherent in the musical composition. In addition, the brain can distinguish minor and major melody. Research showthat a happy song makes people feel happier. But this does not mean that you need to exclude all sad ballads from the playlist. They too able to bring pleasure and allow you to painlessly throw out negative emotions. Same effect observed and when listening to hard rock.

3. Helps fight stress

The hormone cortisol is responsible for stress levels. It, in conjunction with the sympathetic nervous system, triggers many physiological reactions, for example, increases the pulse rate, increases blood pressure and promotes the production of adrenaline. Music can help fight stress, regardless of genre. First, she reduces cortisol levels. Secondly, it helps to distract from negative events and thoughts. Coupled with the ability to regulate emotions through reward mechanisms, melodies really do bring relief. Another study, which assessed the effect of music on people in a fast food restaurant, showed that it can protect against overeating, which is also one of the markers of stress.

When looking for music to prevent stress, it is important to choose a tune with the right rhythm. The sensation of rhythm is a biological process that takes place in the brain stem. People tend to synchronize with repetitive signals. Because of this, for example, on a walk, a person sooner or later begins to step in time with his partner. Songs also pass through the brainstem, so listening to a soothing melody can help you calm down. Some Research establishedthat listening to music can be a good addition in the treatment of depression and anxiety.

4. Increases productivity

And both physically and mentally. Music in the gym distracts from fatigue and increases stamina. This happens due to the influence of rhythm on the body: the body synchronizes with the melody and tries to maintain a given pace.

To regulate mental performance can be used iso method. It lies in the fact that before solving a large problem, you need to consistently listen to compositions with a gradually increasing rhythm. Experts from the field of music therapy say that this way you can enter the working mode, even if a person woke up tired.

In addition, music distracts from external stimuli. The brain is wired to pay attention to any environmental stimuli. This helped the ancestors of people in survival. Even if you are focused on an important task, the brain will still be distracted by something insignificant, such as noise outside the window or a ticking clock. To prevent this from happening, you can turn on calm music with a clear rhythm: it will clog your unconscious attention and it will be easier for you to work on the desired task.

5. May reduce pain

Lots of research showthat music can alleviate the condition in the postoperative period. It also helps fight chronic pain. The secret lies in the fact that melodies affect many different parts of the brain at the same time. For example, they stimulate the production of the neurotransmitter dopamine, which itself has an analgesic effect. Or they can lower levels of the stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline, which can increase discomfort.

Music also affects emotions and memory, causing pleasant associations in the head - this can also distract from the disease. For example, research They saythat the playlist compiled by the patients themselves is more effective than the one that the doctors have chosen for them. At the same time, one should not overestimate the importance of music and replace it with a full-fledged treatment. It can only be used as maintenance therapy.