Music can expose you to new worlds, introducing you to sounds from different places and times. Additionally, playing an instrument strengthens your dexterity and boosts your memory. However, the core reason people play and listen to music is much simpler—it makes them happy. Here’s how playing an instrument or listening to your favorite artists can contribute to a positive mood.

How Music Makes You Happy & Supports Health

Listening to the tunes you love triggers the release of dopamine, a feel-good chemical in the brain that boosts your mood. It's also responsible for your response to songs you enjoy; it allows you to derive happiness from the progression of sounds and spurs your desire to hear them again. 

Music's ability to enhance mood is so powerful that it's often used as a form of therapy. It helps patients process and express emotions, facilitates movement, and offers emotional support. Listening to music has also been shown to reduce anxiety, lower blood pressure, and control heart rate.

Playing instruments and listening to records let you tap into your playful side as well. As you experiment with different sounds, you can experience laughter—the best form of medicine. Laughing releases additional feel-good chemicals called endorphins and helps the body relax. People who laugh more have been shown to live longer than their peers who laugh less.

Getting Started With a Musical Hobby

You don’t have to be a skilled musician to reap the benefits mentioned above. Simply trying a new instrument can help you feel more fulfilled, relaxed, and lighthearted. If you enjoy pop, rock, blues, or country, you might consider purchasing a beginner’s guitar and taking lessons. If you’re drawn to complex classical pieces or soothing piano sounds, you could try piano lessons and practice on a keyboard at home. Of course, if your joy stems from purely taking in all different sounds, you can also become a more well-rounded listener by building a record collection.

Whether you play it, listen to it, or both, 5J Music is your source for all things music in the Elko, NV, area. Having served the community for over 20 years, this well-stocked store carries everything from sheet music to instruments and vinyl albums. Shop their products online, or visit them on Facebook for more updates. You can also call (775) 778-0484 to speak with an associate.