Why holiday music makes you happy (and when to turn it off)
(Global Heart) Holiday music triggers nostalgia and dopamine, boosting your health. But science warns against the “mere-exposure effect.” Discover how to enjoy holiday music without the sensory overload.
Are holiday tunes good for your health? Here’s what science says
The holiday season is officially upon us, and with it comes the inescapable soundtrack of festive music. Whether you’re humming along to cheerful classics or secretly dreading the 100th replay of “Jingle Bells,” you might wonder: is all this merry music actually good for you?
Science suggests the answer is a resounding ‘yes’—mostly! Beyond the nostalgia, seasonal tunes can have a powerful impact on your mind and body. Let’s unwrap the research behind the music and see how those festive notes affect your well-being.”
The uplifting power of festive music and memory
At its core, holiday music taps into the established mental health benefits of music in general, with a little extra festive magic:
- A dopamine boost: Listening to music you enjoy, including holiday tunes, triggers the release of dopamine in your brain—the “feel-good” neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward. This natural chemical response can elevate your mood and reduce feelings of stress.
- A dose of nostalgia: For most people, holiday songs are deeply intertwined with autobiographical memories, often dating back to happy childhood experiences, family traditions, and warm moments. When you hear these familiar melodies, your brain activates regions linked to memory and emotion, giving you a wonderful rush of nostalgia. This feeling can be incredibly comforting and promote a sense of connection.
- Positive musical structure: Many popular holiday songs are written in a major key, which is typically associated with feelings of happiness and positivity, contrasting with the minor keys often linked to sadness. This inherent uplifting structure enhances the joyful effect.
Did you know? Research suggests that listening to enjoyable music can even help lower blood pressure and heart rate, two physical responses often heightened by stress.
Recommended read: From Perception to Pleasure: The Neuroscience of Music and Why We Love It by Dr. Robert Zatorre.
The flip side: when festive frequencies become frazzling
While holiday tunes can be a source of joy, the repetitive nature of the season’s playlist can sometimes lead to negative effects:
- The stress trigger: For some, especially those working in retail or highly exposed environments, the incessant repetition of the same songs can lead to boredom, irritation, and even distress. Psychologists suggest that for some, the music acts as a constant reminder of the season’s pressures: gift-buying, event planning, and financial stress.
- The mere-exposure effect: Initially, we like familiar things (the “mere-exposure effect”), but there is a saturation point. Hearing the same 10-15 songs over and over can cause the pleasure to turn into annoyance, making the music feel intrusive and overwhelming.
- Negative associations: Not everyone has fond holiday memories. If a person associates the season with grief, loneliness, or family difficulty, the music can act as an emotional trigger, compounding feelings of anxiety or sadness.
The takeaway: it’s all about balance and choice
Ultimately, the science suggests that holiday tunes can be incredibly good for your health by reducing stress, boosting mood, and connecting you with positive memories.
The key is moderation and personal preference:
- If you love it: Embrace it! Let the music wash over you and enjoy the positive psychological effects.
- If you feel overwhelmed: Take a break. Giving yourself control over your listening environment—turning off the radio, choosing your own playlist, or opting for silence—is a powerful way to reduce stress.
How to enjoy holiday music without the sensory overload
Think of holiday tunes like a delicious dessert: a moderate amount can be wonderfully uplifting for your health, boosting your mood and warming you with nostalgia. But too much… and you can quickly find yourself feeling sickly sweet, overwhelmed, or even a little nauseous from the saturation. Just as you need a palate cleanser after too much sugar, sometimes your mind needs a break from the constant carols to maintain that feeling of festive joy.
So, go ahead and crank up your favorite festive song if it brings you joy! Just remember to listen to your own emotional cues.
Source: Global Heart
You may also like:
Music & the brain: the fascinating ways music affects your mood and mind
A universal language: The healing and unifying power of music
