Music and Mood

Listening to  music increases blood flow to brain regions that generate and control emotions.   The limbic system, which is involved in processing emotions and controlling memory, “lights” up when our ears perceive music.

The chills you feel when you hear a particularly moving piece of music may be the result of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that triggers sensations of pleasure and well-being.  As your brain becomes familiar with a particular song, your body may release dopamine upon hearing just the first few notes of the song. Just as Pavlov’s dogs learned to associate food with a ringing bell – and eventually began drooling at the sound of a bell, even when no food was in sight – our bodies actively anticipate pleasure upon hearing familiar notes.

Below is a playlist of sample songs  that is guaranteed to get you going and lift your mood.  You can save this playlist to spotify for the full songs.