The Power of Music!

When I was in college, we did project in psychology class about how music impacted the mind, thoughts, emotions and body.  I remember doing this project very clearly and recall the noticeable reactions to a variety of genres of music.  It was interesting at the time but after that study was complete, paper was written, and we were onto the next project I hadn’t given it much more thought.   I reflect on music today; it plays a big role in how I manage my energy and mood.   And, as I’ve overcome each of my struggles from overthinking and over stressing to anxiety and depression, music has also played a large role. 

In my career I often get the opportunity to go out to customer sites.  It is by far the most engaging and most enjoyable aspect of what I do.  Interacting with people, building relationships and helping find a solution to their issues.  But, as with many of us, I have my days.  You know the ones where you just want to keep your yoga pants on, curl up with a warm drink and a good movie or book.  Or, those days that you’re just not feeling quite like yourself.  For me, when these days show up the right music can completely shift my mood.  In this case, for me, it’s always upbeat, car thumping kind of music. You know what I’m talking about.  It’s that music that you can hear from another car away.  And, yes, my friends I am that person you see dancing away while she’s driving.  This type of empowering music can completely help shift my mood and take me from feeling like I have to fake a smile for the day to a true sense of joy and optimism.   A couple of my favorite go to’s are “Roar” and “This is Me.” 

Then there is the workout music.  I’ve really shifted in this area throughout the years.   I used to be a morning and news treadmill runner followed by light weights.  In fact, I don’t remember listening to music hardly ever when I worked out.  My music time was generally after my workout as I was getting ready for work.  Through the years that shifted to podcasts and audio-books which I’ve now learned negatively impacted my workouts.  I focused more on learning and not enough on my muscles and what I was doing in the gym.   And now, it’s primarily me and my thoughts, hitting a quick hard workout to optimize and move on with the day.  When I take a long workout, added cardio or need some ass kicking in my workout, that’s right I am turning it on and turning it up.   I am so diverse on this one, I can do anything from “Welcome to the Jungle” to “Eye of the Tiger” and so many in between.  The best way I can describe these, they just get my blood pumping.

Then there is the good old, working around the house music.  If I’m at home, I’m working around the house on something.  Whether I’m shooting some new pictures for the website, designing new packages, working on content for one of the businesses in some form or fashion, or doing housework around the house.   I generally have music on.   It’s funny, as I sit and write this post, I recognize the true diverseness in music that I enjoy.  I can go from 60’s and 70’s, to 80’s and 90’s depending on my day and mood.  And, each makes me feel very differently, there is the music that calms and brings a sense of Zen, then there is the music that is truly motivating and gives me energy to get things done.  And, yes, you’ll often hear my voice singing throughout it all too. 

From the other side, there is music that can truly take me into a loop of negative thoughts or even depressed moods.   The more I started working on my emotional well-being the more I started recognizing what music caused me negative thoughts.  Pay close attention to this one my friends.  I can now catch when something doesn’t feel right and quickly shift it but it took time.  Once you’re aware of it it’s easier to catch.

Not only can it help turn around your mood, but it can reduce stress and help calm, reduce anxiety and even motivate.  There are also documented benefits of improved cognition to improving memory.  So, grab your playlist and start leveraging those benefits a great song can do for you!

Stay well my friends!

Jen