Each time we listen to music, we are training our brain how to interpret a particular piece of music. If we associate a particular piece of music as sad, then when we hear it, we will most likely feel sad. The inverse is also true: if we perceive a particular piece of music as happy, we will most likely feel happy when we listen to it. Because of this and music’s connection to the memory center in the brain, we come to associate certain songs with happy memories and certain songs with sad memories. This allows music to become a wonderful tool for uplifting our mood.

Making a happy songs playlist of 10 songs and listening to it regularly can have an uplifting effect on mood. This is not to say that a happy songs playlist will lift depression, but it will cause a slight uptick. When battling depression, sometimes a slight uptick is the best we can hope for. When battling anxiety, a soothing or very active playlist often helps. Anxiety can cause increased agitation and when that is the case, an active playlist that makes you want to move your body is better than a soothing playlist designed to encourage relaxation. When angry, listening to fight songs and champion songs can help express the anger and restore feelings of empowerment.

Whatever the desired mood effect, music can help you achieve it. The key is picking the right song. Sometimes, listening to sad songs when sad helps us feel less alone. The key is to set how many sad songs we listen to before turning our mood around. Picking the right type of music in the right amount is a key component to creating successful playlist.