A Strange Habit Shown to Swiftly Alleviate Negative Emotions, Backed by Scientific Studies
Life's tough moments got you feeling down? Reach for the sad tunes, man! It's more than just an emotional crutch, it's a therapeutic adventure for some.
My folks never quite got why I shoved my sorrow into a popular playlist. Especially after that college heartbreak, they'd try to force-feed me some peppy nonsense. I ain't got no pep when I'm in the dumps, mate. I need something that echoes my sorrow, something that screams, "I've been there, buddy!"
You ever feel less alone just because the singer gets your pain? Yup, me too. There's a weird solidarity in shared misery. But when you're in the weeds, a melancholic melody might just be the key to navigating through heartbreak.
Now, scientific folks have backed up my sad-tunes practise. A 2014 study from the Free University of Berlin dug into the psychological benefits of adventuring into the deep end of the emotional pool.
Turns out, listening to sad music when you're feeling sad is a hoot! Researchers found that it cheers you up, helps you cope with negative emotions, and even makes you feel peaceful. Four reasons why - reward of imagination, emotion regulation, empathy, and no real-world implications. Basically, letting loose with some Bon Iver ain't gonna cause any problems outside the album.
So don't fret about drowning in even more misery by throwing yourself a crying-on-the-couch-to-sad-music party. No, instead, embrace the sorrow and the singer's understanding, friend. In no time, you'll find yourself in a quieter, dimmer, but not as dark corner of sadness.
Now, empathetic types and emotionally fragile folks seem to reap the greatest benefits of this weird musical therapy. But hey, who am I to judge? Just beware of the clingy, dependency-seeking consoler tunes.
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Whenever you find yourself questioning the point of existence or wondering if the world is ending, flick on the saddest song you've got. Cry your eyes out and let the singer hold your hand through the turbulence. Before you know it, you'll be sailing through the pain, but not as alone as before.
Related: 25 Tiny Hacks To Feel Happier Instantly
Amanda Chatel, a wellness and relationship journalist with a decade of experience under her belt, uncovered this golden nugget about the power of sad music in her work for various outlets like Glamour and Shape.
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- Amanda Chatel, a wellness and relationship journalist, discovered that empathetic individuals often find solace in sad music, which can help them navigate through heartbreak and foster a sense of shared misery.
- In the realm of health-and-wellness, the science of music therapy has shown that listening to sad music during difficult times can provide psychological benefits, such as emotional regulation, empathy, and a sense of peace.
- It's quite common for those immersed in the health-and-wellness community, particularly those focusing on mental health, to acknowledge the therapeutic properties of music, particularly sad tunes, in managing sadness and promoting personal growth.
