Monday Mood Booster
Music is an integral part of our existence; I don’t think there’s a time of day when I’m not playing music (or at least wanting to). However enjoyable, music was never considered necessary for survival, but a study in 2011 showed it could be just as important as things such as food, sex and sleep.
Dopamine, a neuro-chemical that is involved with experiencing pleasure and reward, is released into our brain when we satisfy our desire to eat, sleep or reproduce - what was interesting is that the study found the same chemical is released when we listen to music. Researchers at McGill University narrowed down participants from 217 to 8 who consistently responded the same way when listening to music, regardless of their environment. Using a combination of Positron Emission tomography and Functional Magnetic Resonance imagery to scan the brains of the participants, the study found that dopamine was released in the striatum during peak moments of emotional arousal due to the music. It also showed that our brains reacted in distinct and specific ways of releasing dopamine when we anticipated and when we were experiencing a pleasurable response from music.
I had the idea for a Monday Mood Booster when I was on the tram to work one day and hadn’t had a coffee. I found myself extremely sluggish and grumpy until a particular song came on (that I’ve included in the mix). It somehow gave me the energy a bit of energy and put me in a positive and productive mindset. With this idea, I compiled a 30-minute mix based on the notion of an auditory ‘stimulant.’
I hope it helps get you through your Monday morning slump!
With wellness,
Aleksandar
