Why does music calm us? Explanations about its effects on the brain

Why does music make us feel better, and how does it calm us even in tense moments? This is the question at the heart of the "Realitatea medicală" edition, in which Nicole Păcuraru discusses the effects of music on the brain, emotions, and overall health.

According to the discussion, music acts directly on the brain, and its influence is more powerful than it might first appear. When we listen to a song we enjoy, the brain releases dopamine — the same substance associated with the feeling of reward. At the same time, the rhythm of a piece can influence heart rate and breathing: slow music tends to induce relaxation, whilst energetic music can increase the body's level of arousal.

Another point highlighted is that music can reduce levels of cortisol, known as the stress hormone. This is why a simple melody can completely transform our mood at any given moment. It is not merely a matter of entertainment, but rather a genuine tool for emotional regulation, whose effects occur even without our awareness — the body "listens" to music far more than we realise.