7 Notes, Infinite Joy: Why Music Makes Us feel Good

The verdict is unanimous: music is one of the most beautiful things in life, according to science, experience, common sense and history. Read on for a reflection on why we find it so irresistible.

Music makes us happy. It makes our lives better.
Ok, so that’s stating the obvious, something we all learn instinctively as kids. Listening to our favorite songs is a pleasant experience, it’s engaging, it moves and excites us. In every culture music plays an important role at special occasions, solemn rituals and liturgies.

Just why is it that people can’t do without music?
There are many reasons, but here, we limit ourselves to discussing those closest to the Vespa philosophy.
Press play and start listening!

Music Is Fun
Humming along, dancing, singing, playing. These are all pleasant, carefee experiences. A live concert is full of incredible energy, an intense feeling of adrenaline, freedom and satisfaction. Musical notes have a way of bringing people together and creating strong bonds – a sense of team spirit, a desire to belong. Sharing your love of a particular musician or band acts as the strongest kind of social glue, deepening relationships and relaxing societal tensions.
What do you do when you feel down, when your heart is broken, when you want to disconnect, when you’re organizing a party? That’s right: you put on some good music (or bad music, depending on your taste.)

[Soundtrack to get your smile back: Happy by Pharrell Williams]

Music is like a Vespa.
Music is like a Vespa. When you listen to your favorite songs, your brain releases elevated levels of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that improves your sense of wellbeing. At the same time, your cortisol levels drop (cortisol being the stress hormone) and your oxytocin (that would be the happy hormone) levels jump. It’s essentially been proven that singing, playing music or turning on the radio helps us calm down and maintain emotional and physical balance. The same thing happens when you drive around on your Vespa on a sunny day. So says science, baby! What are you waiting for? Pop in some earbuds on hop on.

[Soundtrack per to feel good: Can’t stop the feeling by Justin Timberlake]

Music Helps You Run Better (and Lose Weight)
Finally, some good news!
A study from Georgia Tech University suggested that turning the lights down and listening to music while eating helps us to consume fewer calories during meals. It’s also been established that music improves athletic performance, in particular running, because it helps us concentrate and stay motivated.
If you suffer from insomnia, there’s more good news. A half hour of classical symphonies before bedtime can have a beneficial impact on your sleep. Time to add some Vivaldi and Mozart to your Spotify playlists.

[Soundtrack to get moving: Uptown Funk by Mark Ronson ft Bruno Mars]

Music Is the Universal Language
Music transcends barriers of all kinds: linguistic, prejudicial, social, age and taste. People everywhere understand and enjoy music. Songs, harmonies and sounds come to represent something bigger, amplifying joy, emotion, desires, dreams, happiness and melancholy.
We’re only human, and we can’t live without music just as we can’t live without feelings.

[Soundtrack to strike an emotional chord: Elle me dit by Mika]

Important occasions, feelings of intense happiness, the best memories you think back on before falling asleep… You likely associate different songs with all the times you felt truly happy. From cartoon theme songs to the music of your first love, and from memorable concerts to the hits you belted out under the shower: it’s all part of your personal, highly emotional playlist.

Your own taste and the musical trends of different time periods don’t even matter. Instead, focus on working music into your everyday routine. You’ll find it improves your mood, allows you to work with greater drive and helps you daydream.

Only you have the power to create the perfect soundtrack to your life.