By Bronwyn Ison
What is it about music that strikes cords of emotions within us? Music has been a part of our culture for as long as we can remember. Researchers have been able to explain of late the correlation as to why music is a catalyst to soulful emotion. Generally, music makes us feel good, happy, excited and we want to move. On occasion it can induce depression. We can all relate how a song can retrieve a memory or specific time in our lives.
Overall, music makes us feel good. What is it about music that stimulates? Neuroscientists, Anne Blood and Robert Zatorre of McGill University, Montreal in 2001 conducted a study and were able to reveal an answer. The researchers say, “using magnetic resonance imaging they showed that people listening to pleasurable music had activated brain regions called the limbic and paralimbic areas, which are connected to euphoric reward responses, like those we experience from sex, good food and addictive drugs. Those rewards come from a gush of a neurotransmitter called dopamine. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter. It is used when the brain sends a signal to the muscles. Our body moves and/or it can make a person feel good. Thus, another reason we are attracted to music.
Of course not all music sends good vibrations to our soul. A song can trigger an unpleasant time or memory. Or, perhaps it can remind you of happier times that you wish you could relive. Music can also provoke feelings of anxiety, anger and boredom. Plus, our diverse cultures may appreciate certain styles of music differently. What may sound pleasing to Western Europeans may not be in sync with Eastern Europeans. Simply due to both cultures use different scales and tuning.
While attending college and to this day I choose to listen to classical music when attempting to complete a mentally engaging task. I feel relaxed and my mind lucid. Researchers found those who listened to classical music while studying scored higher on their math exams. Classical music with 60-70 beats per minute was germane in helping improve test scores as much as twelve percent. Classical music, like Beethoven’s Fur Elise, helps students retain more information and study endurance.
Some researches may argue that the best environment to consummate a task is a quiet one. While others argue that you can select songs specific to what you are attempting to achieve.
If you are on a mission to achieve a task that requires mental focus it may be beneficial to listen to classical music. Yet, if you need to get to business and clean your house, car or garage… it may be a good idea to crank up your favorite tunes that motivate you. This way you can successfully hit every note. Music, very well, may be an elixir in society.
Bronwyn Ison is the owner of Evolve Yoga. www.e-volveyoga.com 760.564.YOGA
