Is Your Music Affecting Your Mood?

Brain imaging reveals how neural responses to different types of music really affect the emotion regulation of a person. This means that whether we like it or not, if we want good mental health, we have to be careful about the music we are exposed to.

It’s a confusing situation to analyse, though. I know the most timid and calm people who absolutely love the highly-amplified pounding of double-bass drums and intense, almost chaotic guitar solos. Though I also know tons of people who listen to happy upbeat funk, but who spend their days arguing the world in bursts of anxiety and irritation.

So, how can you make sure that the music you are listening to is keeping you in good mental health, without changing your style and personality, and without listening to cheap talks of inaccurate stereotype?

Make sure it is not making you neurotic

A lot of people accidently slip into a wallowing state of pity when times get rough. This is completely natural, and everyone reserves the right to have an off day. But make sure that the music you are listening to is not stuffed with energy that feeds your currently negative state of mind. There is a time and a place for everything, so don’t listen to the wrong music at the wrong time.

Be careful for your concentration

I use to convince myself that I can effectively study a chapter of a book while my favourite album is playing in the background. This is definitely not true. Dr Nick Perham explains in his study ‘Can preference for background music mediate the irrelevant sound effect ’that music interferes with short term memory process. If you struggle to concentrate in silence, which is the case with many people, rather play a relaxing meditation soundtrack with alpha waves that increase brainpower. You can find these all over YouTube!

Don’t get too mixed up with lyrics

The power of words truly has an effect on our moods and attitudes. All too often people brainwash themselves with music that have distasteful, or down right stupid lyrics. This statement may come as an offense to some, but it is really important to consider how the information we expose ourselves to challenges the way we see things. Don’t take this point too strongly; of course there is nothing wrong with just listening to a good track for the sake of the instruments and the beat. Just don’t start swimming in a world of negativity because of the messages that you are sending to your subconscious.

If you feel like you are alone in this world and that music is the only thing that is keeping your head up, consider seeking professional help for a voice of reason. There are many affordable medical aid plans that promote psychological wellbeing.