Everyone has had bad days where they are stressed, angry or desolate. Thankfully, one possible solution to the blues is quite simple to access. All it requires is a pair of headphones.

Music has a powerful effect on our mind and bodies, significantly enhancing our health.

Relieves stress

Sometimes there’s nothing more relaxing than laying down, sipping a hot coffee and listening to your favorite playlist on repeat. Music has been found to help someone fall asleep.  Listening to tunes is also heavily linked with lowering cortisol (the stress hormone) in the body.

Improves mood, decreases depression

Several researchers have discovered that listening to music has a positive effect on the body’s serotonin and oxytocin hormone levels. Serotonin is heavily associated with mood, sleep and memory power. An increase in its amount is great for your brain. Oxytocin is known as the “love hormone,” which is associated in social situations and bonding. Time set aside to listen to your favorite tunes could make you happier and more social.

Music physically helps us

Music has been shown to reduce the painful effects of chronic ailments. The notes and melodies distract us while releasing endorphins, the feel-good chemicals that combat pain. Listening to music has also been proven to lower blood pressure, lessen the effects of headaches and increase the amount of immune-system boosting chemicals.

No matter what you are feeling and no matter what kind of music you find appealing, something so simple as recreational music listening can easily change your life for the better. Definitely experiment with different artists and new styles of music to see what affects your mood in a positive manner. From rap to reggae, music can make our brains and bodies feel better.