Why Music Affects Human Emotions?
The relationship between music and emotions is historical. From the early days, music became an integral part of people's lives, expressing and voicing feelings, giving expression to the joys of life or achievements, and healing inner traumas. Have you ever felt that a particular music makes your heart beat faster? Or does it calm your mind?
How Music Affects the Brain
Several chemicals released in the brain as an answer to hearing music may include endorphins, dopamine, and cortisol. Endorphins function much like the body's natural medication in reducing pain. The chemical dopamine is related to feelings of enjoyment, while cortisol is involved in stress. The study results show that listening to music can activate areas in the brain, such as the amygdala and orbitofrontal cortex. Both are organs in the brain that have considerable roles in regulating a person's emotions.
The Relationship Between Music and Emotions
Indeed, every type of music can evoke certain kinds of emotions. For example:
• Classical Music: This music inspires relaxation and meditation, calming the mind.
• Pop Music: Generally characterized by its lively beat and joyful melodies, pop music is often perceived to lift the mood.
• Sad Songs: They are sometimes associated with more sadness but can be comforting at low points.
Case Study or Scientific Facts
Research has already explained how well music is related to human emotion. For instance, Thoma et al. (2012) showed that regular listening to classical music would lessen stress while producing maximum happiness. Another research study was carried out by Juslin and Vastfjall (2008), in which fast beats imparted more happy moods. In contrast, slow rhythms mostly duplicate nostalgic memories or sadness.
From the above discussion, music indeed impacts your emotional state. Understanding how music technically creates moods can be used to improve mental balance. For example, playing music that fits your mood can quickly relieve stress, create happiness, or even heal the heart from wounds. Thus, making music a part of daily life is essential for better mental health.