Music is a powerful tool that stimulates our emotional state [1].  Consider how you incorporate music in your life:

What kind of music do you listen to when you are driving?

What kind of music do you listen do when you are exercising?

What impact does upbeat music have on your mood?

What impact does classical music have on your mood?

 

It’s likely that everyone has a slightly different answer to these questions, but we can most likely all agree that music is empowering and reflective of our present state of mind.

UPBEAT/FAST-TEMPO MUSIC

When you are in a funk, you have two choices.  You can either wallow in your funk or you can decide to get out of it!  For the sake of positivity, let’s opt for choice 2.  Once you have decided to get out of your funk, what are the tools you can use to get you there?  Music is a great option!  Put together a rockin play list of your favorite jams and blast that music until you are singing, dancing and have forgotten why you were in a funk in the first place. 

What is your go-to upbeat music?  Are you a Bruno Mars’ “Uptown Funk” kinda gal?  Or maybe J-lo rocks your world!  Whatever suits your musical style, put together a playlist that is on-hand anytime you need a pick me up.

This playlist can also be used to have a dance party with your kids or help you run faster and further out on the trails! 

INSTRUMENTAL/MELLOW MUSIC

When you are feeling reflective, thoughtful or meditative, this style of music is soothing and can help set a calm mood.  With the beauty of streaming music services such as Pandora, if you can find a station or artist in this genre you like, the algorithm will put together similar music so you don’t have to create an entire play list from scratch.

Some of our favorite Pandora stations for mellow mood music are: Odesza, FKJ and Pretty Lights.  Don’t worry if you are not familiar with these artists….just search for them, play and enjoy!

This music is also great when you are doing your nightly stretching or meditation routine, as well as when you are journaling and reflecting on your gratitude for the day.

INTIMACY

Another great application for music in your life is to assist in your intimacy. Whether you are having intimacy solo or with a partner, music is a great way to trigger to your mind what you are intending to focus on.  Our brain plays a huge role in our sexual stimulation.  If you want to learn more about this, we suggest reading the book “Come As You Are” by Emily Nagoski.  That said, playing a certain type of music can help signal to your brain and body that you are feeling intimate and wanting to engage in sexual activity.  The genre of music varies by individual (rock, EDM, light Jazz, etc.), but if you can determine what kind of music sets an intimate mood for YOU, it might make the transition from “regular life” to “hot, steamy and sassy in the bedroom (or kitchen???)” that much easier!

Music is highly influential on our moods in many situations.  Reflect on how you utilize music to positively impact your day-to-day life.  Let us know your favorite genres, artists, stations or songs so we can learn from you as well!

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References:

1. https://www.consciouslifestylemag.com/music-and-the-brain-affects-mood/