In addition to discussing the mood changes music can provide, the authors of “Your Play List Can Change Your Life” give readers some really good advice.
According to authors Dr. Joseph Cardillo, Dr. Don DuRousseau and Dr. Galina Mindlin, feeling a song’s “musical powers” can ultimately make you a happier and more productive person. Los Angeles Times writer Anita Khan says music causes the brain to release dopamine, a simple organic chemical responsible for reward-driven learning.
An excess amount of dopamine is seen in people with extroverted, reward-seeking personalities. People with ADHD and Parkinson’s disease actually lack it. Dopamine is also responsible for addiction and thus, is the reason we find ourselves addicted to music.
In fact, music and dancing are used to treat Parkinson’s disease and strokes.
The authors claim that music, in addition to being able to lift our mood, can reduce anxiety, raise our motivation, help us get a better workout and even fight off depression and insomnia.
The study started when Dr. Mindlin started practicing brain music therapy, which involves translating brain waves into music and playing it for yourself. She then decided to come together with neuroscientist Dr. DuRousseau and Dr. Cardillo to come together to bring this knowledge to the public.
In the book, the authors explain that the first thing you have to do is take note of the speed of a song in relation to what you are picking it for. For example, take Norah Jones’ “Turn Me On.” At 56 beats per minute, it is much better for winding down than Michael Jackson’s “Beat It,” which has an accelerated 139 beats per minute. “Beat It” is better for working out or pumping up for a presentation.
Although the authors suggest that in order to reach the focused state of mind necessary to study for an exam, natural rhythmic sounds such as the ocean can help you focus while also helping you relax.
This idea makes sense especially when I think about the fact that my yoga teacher makes us listen to natural sounds during our final meditation to focus our energy and mind.
The authors’ top three points of advice are simple. First of all, know your emotional connection to the song. Beats are important, but if a slow song such as “No Me Ames” by Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony makes you cry like it does for me then don’t choose it to wind down.
Secondly, the context of the situation is important because different moments trigger different emotions.
Finally, focus on the song and its different aspects. Link your mental images to the song and its meaning.
These secrets may seem like common sense, but Dr. Mindlin says that people usually have to get treatment to receive this kind of advice. With music being a part of everyone’s life, people should be able to use it to their advantage.
In fact, during their research the authors found that some people rely on music solely to get through traumatic events.
The authors interviewed a Russian figure skater who said that after she lost her husband, who was also a figure skater, she used the symphony piece they danced to in a routine to help her get through it all.
The authors also say that anticipating the parts of songs you like triggers the reward-seeking part of your brain. So pay attention to the instruments and how they contribute to the song – especially the parts you love.
The point of the study is not to tell people to pick new songs, but to observe the songs you already love and decide why you really like them. Then you can use those songs to help you.
Nayeli Carillo is a senior journalism major and a contributing writer for the Daily 49er.
