Music and smell, for many people, are the two main triggers of nostalgia. Music really can transport you back to a bygone era. Back to the time when you first hear the song. It really is a great way to trigger warm, happy memories.
A recent study explored the relationship between music choices and mood regulation among young people with a tendency towards depression. The study looked into how seven participants selected different styles of music and examined their awareness of how these listening habits influenced their mood and overall wellbeing.
The research highlighted the positive influence of music on neurotransmitters. It also revealed two key strategies participants used to manage negative moods through music:
- Choose music that contrasted with negative emotions to improve mood, and;
- Choose music that matched the emotional state, allowing listeners to process and cope with their feelings.
How does this work? Let’s explore how music can impact a user’s mood and uncover the science behind it.
Synchronise Brainwaves with Rhythm
Music’s rhythm influences brainwave activity through a process called “entrainment,” where the brain synchronises with external auditory stimuli. When you listen to rhythmic music, the brain’s neurons begin to fire in patterns that match the tempo of the music, which eventually can influence mood and energy levels.
An online casino is a good example of how music shapes mental states. These platforms often use rhythmic, energetic music with faster tempos during slot games or high-stakes events to keep players engaged and excited.
In contrast, slower, relaxing music is typically used in table games like poker to create a calmer, more focused atmosphere. This carefully selected music enhances the user experience and can influence player engagement.
Faster, rhythmic music tends to stimulate beta waves, which are linked to heightened alertness, focus, and energy. This is why upbeat music is often used in active environments to maintain concentration and physical readiness.
On the other hand, slower, calming music encourages the production of alpha waves, which promote relaxation and reduce stress. Alpha waves are typically associated with meditative, restful states, helping to calm the mind and support emotional balance.
Activate Limbic System
The limbic system, which is responsible for processing emotional responses to stimuli, is highly responsive to music. When we listen to music, the limbic system, particularly the amygdala which processes emotions like fear and pleasure, interprets emotional cues in melodies, rhythms, and lyrics. This explains why music can evoke powerful emotional reactions, such as tears, joy, or goosebumps.
In addition to the amygdala, other key parts of the limbic system involved in processing music include the hippocampus and the hypothalamus. The hippocampus, which is involved in memory formation, can trigger emotional memories associated with specific songs, while the hypothalamus regulates emotional responses and can influence physical reactions, such as changes in heart rate or arousal when listening to music.
Note that both entrainment and the limbic system are influenced by music but through a different process. While entrainment synchronises brain activity with rhythms to enhance focus or relaxation, the limbic system directly influences emotional states based on the type of music.
Triggers Dopamine Release
Listening to music directly affects the brain’s reward system by increasing dopamine levels. When people listen to music they enjoy, their brain releases dopamine, a hormone that helps to improve mood and enhances emotional well-being. This chemical reaction can explain why music often feels so satisfying and why certain songs can provide an instant lift.
Dopamine is often referred to as the “feel-good” chemical because it is released during pleasurable activities, such as eating, exercising, or listening to music. The release of this neurotransmitter makes music a powerful tool for enhancing mood and maintaining motivation, such as during a workout or while tackling tasks that require focus.
Alters Cortisol Levels
Besides increasing dopamine, engaging in active music-making can significantly reduce cortisol levels in the body. Cortisol is a hormone released in response to stress, hence called “stress hormone.” While it’s essential for managing the body’s fight-or-flight response, chronic stress leads to elevated cortisol levels, which can harm mental and physical health.
Music reduces cortisol by activating the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for relaxation and calming the body. For example, singing encourages deep, controlled breathing, lowering heart rate and reducing stress. Group settings also create a sense of belonging, reinforcing emotional safety and lowering cortisol production.
Increases Serotonin Levels
Another hormone influenced by music is serotonin, which, like the parasympathetic nervous system, plays a key role in promoting relaxation and emotional balance. While the parasympathetic system is responsible for calming the body physically, serotonin helps regulate mood and reduces feelings of anxiety, making it a ‘feel-good’ neurotransmitter, similar to dopamine.
Moreover, in contrast to the short-term effects of cortisol reduction, serotonin’s impact through music is more prolonged. Unlike cortisol, which is involved in the immediate stress response, serotonin works by maintaining mood balance through continuous modulation of brain activity.
In particular, serotonin helps the body’s long-term ability to manage stress, reduce anxiety, and improve sleep, leading to a more consistent emotional state. The cumulative effect of serotonin boosts mental resilience, which explains why its mood-stabilising effects last longer than the short-term reduction in cortisol.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, music can remarkably influence mood through entrainment, activating the limbic system and impacting key hormones. Organisations and companies can leverage this powerful tool to enhance user experiences, promote relaxation, boost engagement, or improve productivity in environments like retail, gaming, or workplace settings.