Looking for a Mood Boost? Music has the answer.
Earlier this year, the world’s quirkiest audio brand, Skullcandy, launched a new initiative to boost our moods with music. They partnered with the non-profit organisation, To Write Love on Her Arms (TWLOHA), which aims to enliven the spirits of those who are dealing with severe mental health issues like depression, addiction and anxiety. And, according to TWLOHA Founder Jamie Tworkowski, one of the best ways to boost your mood is with music.
“Music can play a big part in coping with depression and anxiety,” says Jamie. “Music reminds us that it’s okay to feel and it’s okay to be honest, and those truths relate directly to mental health.
“We couldn’t be more excited about this new partnership with Skullcandy. Our dedication to helping people find hope fits perfectly with their Mood Boost program.”
Since January this year, Skullcandy’s Mood Boost program has shone a spotlight onto specific moods and aimed to lift Australia’s spirits through exclusive music content. And, thankfully, it’s fitting for this tumultuous year of 2020, considering the rise of uncertainty around COVID-19 and when we’d be “normal” again. Far too many of us are stretched to the max with anxiety.
Interestingly, the selected mood for November is “Chill Month” and here’s their chilled artist Bane’s World, in case you need some mellowing out…
Mood-boosting through music is scientifically possible.
According to a 2011 article titled “Music & Health” in Harvard Health Publishing, many studies reveal the power of music on our moods:
“An authoritative review of research performed between 1994 and 1999 reported that in four trials music therapy reduced symptoms of depression, while a fifth study found no benefit,” the article reads. “A 2006 study of 60 adults with chronic pain found that music was able to reduce pain, depression, and disability. And, a 2009 meta-analysis found that music-assisted relaxation can improve the quality of sleep in patients with sleep disorders.”
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- Skullcandy Indy Evo wireless earbuds. Image: Supplied
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- Skullcandy Indy Evo wireless earbuds. Image: Supplied
In fact, music is also known to improve cognitive function, which is colloquially known as the Mozart effect. Thanks to the startling observation that classical musicians have “unusual” mathematical ability, a group of researchers at the University of California, Irvine, decided to investigate the connection between classical music and its effect on cognitive function. And Mozart was the clear winner!
But why?
“It’s not clear, but the researchers speculated that listening to music helps organise the firing of nerve cells in the right half of the cerebral cortex, the part of the brain responsible for higher functions,” the Harvard Health Publishing article reads. “According to this construct, music — or at least some forms of music — acts as an ‘exercise’ that warms up selected brain cells, allowing them to process information more efficiently.”
All these studies show how intrinsic music is to our mental health. This is quite important to note considering the World Health Organisation says that 264 million people suffer from depression across the world. And with the current COVID-19 pandemic still dragging along, that number could be larger. Which is perhaps no surprise why Skullcandy teamed up with TWLOHA to bring better moods to the world.
“As we looked to create our new take on moods and music, we wanted to listen carefully to the voices of our core customers,” said Skullcandy chief marketing officer, Jessica Klodnicki. “It became very clear that mental health is a critical topic for them.
“Mood Boost is our way of shining a spotlight on this issue and ways to seek help.”
So, if you’re looking to improve your mood through music, consider shopping at Skullcandy for some truly innovative gadgets!
Looking for other mood-boosting activities? Be sure to indulge in a luxury self-care subscription box or take a crack at this leading at-home chocolatier masterclass, because chocolate IS the best boost of all-time.
