How many times have you noticed how music can stimulate powerful emotions? I already know that I am without a doubt a highly emotional person, so I guess it makes sense there have been many times a song was written with so many genuine emotions it brought me to tears.

In the psychology world, it has been thought that pleasurable music can lead to the release of neurotransmitters such as dopamine. There are various reasons people listen to music daily which includes regulating, enhancing, and lessening the unpleasant emotional states of stress and fatigue. Listening to music generates emotions, relaxation, and gratification for listeners. The following reasons are other ideas of what music can bring into our lives.

1. Musical Pleasure-

Enjoyment of music involves the same pleasure center of the brain as anything else we may find pleasurable. There has been evidence indicating an aesthetic stimulus like music , clearly targets the dopamine systems of the brain, which normally involves immensely reinforcing and addictive behaviors.

Studies have been done where those involved listened to their favorite songs after they were given naltrexone, which is a medication that treats addiction disorders. Researchers have discovered that when individuals participating in the study took naltrexone the songs that were once their favorite songs, no longer gave any pleasure. It was also noted that approximately 5% of the population does not experience chills when listening to music. The inability to obtain pleasure clearly from music is referred to as musical anhedonia.

2. Musical Anticipation-

When music is somewhat complex and unpredictable it can be even more appreciated.

3. Pure and clear emotions-

There is an intellectual element involved with the appreciation for music. The dopamine system is unable to work if isolated and needs interaction with other regions of the brain. There has been evidence indicating that people who frequently react emotionally to aesthetic musical stimuli have stronger white matter connectivity between their auditory cortex and areas connecting with emotional processing.

4. Memories-

One of the most pivotal ways musical events stimulate emotions is with memories. The late physician, Dr. Oliver Sacks stated, musical emotions and musical memory can continue to survive long past all other memories have vanished. The reason musical memory is so strong is that listening to music captivates several parts of the brain, activating connections and generates associations.

5. Action Inclinations-

Music can cause strong action inclinations to move with the music, such as dancing or foot-tapping. Our internal rhythmus, such as heart rate or respiration can become one with the music, speed up, and slowing down with the song.

6. Emotional Mimic-

Music can recall emotions at many different levels including individual, interpersonal, and intergroup levels. As listeners, our response to what the music is expressing emotionally, whether that emotion is happy or sad we will tend to replicate those same emotions

7. Consumer Behaviors-

The background music that plays in supermarkets or other stores has an astonishingly powerful influence on the consumer’s behaviors. A remarkable example of this was a study done with customers in the drinks section at a supermarket. When French music was playing, the sale of French wine was significantly higher than all other wines. Then when there was German music playing, the sale of German wine was higher than all other wines. Next time you are at a grocery store, check out the section where wine is sold and see what type of music you hear.

8. Regulates Moods-

During uncertain times, like we are all experiencing in recent days, people will utilize music to ease their troubling thoughts. Music is also used to achieve different goals, such as maintaining focused on specific and complex tasks. Sad music may help us cope with agonizingly painful situations, like a break-up or death of a loved one. There might be some lyrics that resonate with us because of our personal experiences.

9. Perception of Time-

Time can go by much faster when listening to music we enjoy. Have you ever noticed music playing in waiting rooms? It does make time go by faster and the waits do not seem as unbearable, you can almost forget how long you have been waiting. Supermarkets think music will make consumers stay in the store longer and buy more items. Music can divert our attention when we are waiting and even keep patience more in check.

How do you feel about music ? Is there a specific type of music you enjoy more than any other? I honestly love most types of music. I do not listen to country music because it almost always makes me cry and I don’t need any other forces to make me cry. I mean I can’t get through the news without ending up in tears and most shows I watch can also make me cry. Yes, I am sometimes way too overly emotional.

Thank you so much for stopping by my site today. I hope you enjoyed the information within this post and would love to read your thoughts and what music you enjoy most. I hope your weekend is as enjoyable as possible because y’all deserve happiness! Please never forget that I am always sending y’all LOTS of love , compassion, and many positive vibes!

Always, Alyssa