Most of us resort to music to manoeuvre emotions—blues for alone-time, pop for when we want to dance endlessly, or jazz for long drives. 

It’s safe to say that it has the power to stir a psychological effect. And scientists have only recently proved it. Through research that measures brain activity and neurological responses, scientists are now exploring the psychological impact music has on us.

According to Harvard Health “A 2006 study of 60 adults with chronic pain found that music was able to reduce pain, depression, and disability. And a 2009 meta-analysis found that music-assisted relaxation can improve the quality of sleep in patients with sleep disorders.”

One study verified that not only can music have an impact on what sort of mood we are in, but we also have a pattern of picking music depending on how we’re feeling at the moment. 

It’s seen as a helpful resource for recovery from depression, too. Classical and soothing sounds tend to be uplifting, whereas heavy metal and disco can make depressive symptoms worse. Who knew?

And interestingly, a 2012 research from the University of Groningen in the Netherlands found that after listening to a brief bit of music, the participants were more likely to perceive neutral speech as good or sad, to fit the sound of what they heard.

Here’s how varied genres affect how we feel–

Sad music is good for sad people

Contrary to popular belief, asking a sad person to listen to endless tracks of Lana del Rey might be useful. Researchers have claimed that sad music serves as a catharsis for sad people. 

This explains why we’re attracted to the genre when we’re feeling blue. Listening to the artist allows us to process our own emotions and encourages us to connect with others as a part of the recovery process. 

Now you know just what to listen to every time you feel tired, depressed, or nervous– plug in your headphones and let the sound rush over your feelings.

Classical music and motivation

Soothing compositions by Beethoven and Bizet are frequently included in study playlists.

Numerous studies have found that traditional, lyrical music has a powerful positive effect on our spirits. It also prompts concentration and stimulates a positive outlook towards the tasks at hand. 

Rock music and stress

In reality, a few music genres are believed to raise stress levels, but some minimize them. Rock music, despite its notoriety, has been seen to have a tremendously positive effect, with research from the University of Queensland connecting the genre to improved control of frustration and general wellbeing among audiences.

Music and euphoria

Although utopian lyrics used in dance tracks may seem ordinary, the creators and DJs may be on to something.

Several examinations of the genre and those listening to it on the dance floor have indicated a link between music and general euphoria, elevating moods. It seems like the ravers may be right, after all.

Music is one of the most important means of self-expression. It affects how we view the world around us, it gives expression to our most nuanced emotions, and it unites generations. “Without music, life would be a blank to me”– Jane Austen was not wrong about this.