The Wonderful Ways Music Boosts Your Brain and Mood

Have you ever listened to a song and felt a sudden rush of happiness, or been moved to tears by a melody? Music has an uncanny ability to tap into our emotions and change the way we feel. But did you know that beyond the feels, music has a real, tangible impact on our brains and our mood? That’s right! Those beats, rhythms, and melodies are doing more than just getting your foot tapping. They’re working wonders on your gray matter.

Scientific studies have consistently shown that music can have profound effects on our brains. For instance, the renowned Stanford University found that music engages the areas of the brain that are involved with attention, prediction, and memory (source). That catchy tune that’s been stuck in your head? It’s essentially giving parts of your brain a good workout! Beyond cognition, music has a positive effect on our overall mood too. A study published in the journal Nature Neuroscience discovered that listening to music can release dopamine, the same “feel-good” neurotransmitter that’s released when we eat our favorite foods or fall in love (source). Essentially, that joyous feeling you get from your favorite jam? It’s chemically similar to savoring a piece of chocolate cake or receiving a heartwarming hug.