Music therapy for your mood and mind

Music therapy for your mood and mind

The right song can calm, inspire or energize you. Learn how to use music to influence your mind and boost your mood.
Updated:
2009-09-18 12:14
Published:
2008-06-20 00:00
By 
Heather Camlot

Choose the best music for your mood

Choose the right music for you
Although music is a personal choice, Brodeur invites you to open yourself up to something new -- and to react in whatever way you see fit. "Try new things just to realize the freedom it gives you, she explains. "If you want to sing, if you want to play, if you want to tap, that's OK. Let it go. Engage yourself in the music process."
Choose the best music for your mood

If you're looking for some new music or just a reminder of what's available, here are some artists to get you in the mood.

Music to inspire: When Marsha Moshinsky, an assistant negotiator at Indian and Northern Affairs in Toronto, needs a pick-me-up she turns to Mexican singer-songwriter Fernando Delgadillo. "His songs are often forward looking, about moving on, making effective change," she says. "It makes me want to go out there and do things for the better." Also try: Bob Marley, John Coltrane, Bach, Mahalia Jackson, Woody Guthrie.Music to relax to: When Catherine Wood, a radio announcer in St. Lazare, Que., needs some down time she looks to Norah Jones. "She has a beautiful voice and her songs are just so calming." Also try: Enya, Dido, Erik Satie, Chris Isaak, Vivaldi.

Music to energize you: For Karen Reppin, an ESL instructor in Vancouver, British blues artist Joan Armatrading is the singer she listens to after a long or difficult day. "What I like most is the composition, how the instruments mesh so well into a melody. When I feel drained of energy, she's a good one to turn to." Also try: Squirrel Nut Zippers, Black Eyed Peas, Mozart, Benny Goodman, Fela Kuti.

And don't forget about the power of silence. "Sometimes we need silence," says Brodeur. "We don't have to fill the space all the time. It's OK to not do anything, to just sit and reflect or go for a walk."

What are your favourite songs to relax to, to energize you and to inspire you? Click the microphone to post your favourite mood music.

Try your hand at one of 4 healing arts and discover more ways to let go.

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  • CARRIE wrote:

    Jun 23, 2008

    2009-09-22 10:48 AM

    RELAX LISTENING TO PINK FLOYD'S DARK SIDE OF THE MOON.
  • g wrote:

    Jul 03, 2008

    2009-09-22 10:49 AM

    lyrical content aside, listening to bands such as Canada's own Cannibal Corpse can replace caffeine.
  • Susan wrote:

    Jul 03, 2008

    2009-09-22 10:49 AM

    motivational CDs - morning especially "The Very Best of Sheryl Crow", get in the mood for a chore you really don't want to do (eg housework) "The Baddest of George Thorogood"
  • Allison wrote:

    Nov 24, 2008

    2009-09-22 10:49 AM

    When I'm about to go on a road trip or am on a way to a party I listen to IRON MAIDEN!
  • Trevor Jamal Hassad wrote:

    Nov 23, 2008

    2009-09-22 10:50 AM

    For the ultimate pick-me-up music, check out the latest DONNA SUMMER CD called 'CRAYONS'. I guarantee you WILL BE ON YOUR FEET in less than 30 seconds!
  • Jen wrote:

    Jun 09, 2008

    2009-11-18 2:59 PM

    My favourite songs to: Relax to: Stadium Arcadium by The Red Hot Chili Peppers. The Frog Prince by Keane. Ave Maria by Jewel -- particularly during the holiday season Energize you: Where the streets have no name by U2. Pump It by Black Eyes Peas. Pretty much any salsa music. Is It Any Wonder by Keane. To inspire you: Canon by Pachelbel. Kashmir by Led Zeppelin. Running to Stand Still by U2. J:)
  • Omaii Fae Tien wrote:

    Jul 05, 2008

    2009-11-18 2:59 PM

    One of my favourite sings, Gackt, Has a variety of songs. They all rang in different ways in that if I want a pick-me-up song full of energy I turn to his song "Vanilla", if I need a calming one i turn on his 'Mars' version of "Miz'erable" and if I am feeling down adn want similiar music i turn on his "Mirror" He has a wonderful voice and knows exactly how the instruments should meld together for the perfect moods. however my favourite for energy songs are almost all of the songs sang by Miyavi, a talented vocalist.
  • Suzanne Martin wrote:

    Oct 14, 2008

    2009-11-18 3:02 PM

    James Brown! Couldn't figure out why until I read somewhere that analysis of brains listening to JB showed more parts 'lit up'. It is thought that our brain relates to his active physical performances when his music is playing. It engages the parts of the brain involved in physical movement also.
  • Lucas wrote:

    Nov 24, 2008

    2009-11-18 3:02 PM

    Very nice article! I completely agree with it. I like to listen to Utada Hikaru, she's a Japanese pop artist, though i hesitate to call her that. Its like she has a genre all her own. Her voice is amazing and if you read the translations to some of her songs they're just amazing! Even if you don't understand what she's singing you can still understand what the song is about. Every song she's released has a differnet emotion to it. Its just amazing how talented and wonderful she is!
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