February Read: Towards A Balanced Musical Diet

The music we listen to is akin to the food we eat; on a given day, the sounds that seep into our ears inevitably shape our mood for the day, heightening and enhancing our emotions, and feeding our souls.

The music we listen to is akin to the food we eat; on a given day, the sounds that seep into our ears inevitably shape our mood for the day, heightening and enhancing our emotions, and feeding our souls. A more considered musical diet could have a strong impact on our mental well-being.

Consider this plate for the ears:

Popular Music

From rock-and-roll and country to hip-hop and rap, these musical styles can make us feel through their easy accessibility. Enjoy the pleasure of sinking into any particular feeling or mood, blanketed over and over through repetitive verses. Set your mood for the day with your favorite popular song, or magnify your emotions with a song that reflects your mood.

Jazz Music

Submerging into this smoky world, we can enjoy the tingling sensation of improvisation, and toy around with shadowy notes and harmonies. Set the mood for a slow afternoon with your favorite vocal disk, or ease into the early evening with a jazz standard - a perfect pairing with your drink of choice.

House Music

Revel in the pleasures of rhythm, of pure musical excitement. Designed for the dance floor, this music can be pleasingly ambient - an energizer when listened to in transit, or even at your work desk. When taken over by the repeating beats and thumping rhythms, the music itself can become a reflection of your own thoughts and emotions.

Classical Music

Complex, multifaceted, and layered - classical music can feed us with extraordinary meaning. Perhaps not best suited for background listening, classical music both demands and creates a space in which to dwell. Steep yourself in your favorite work, and the pleasures of listening will blossom with time and nurturing.

At the end of the day, music is music - a string of sounds suspended in time. However music makes you feel is completely unique and personal to yourself. We encourage all of our readers to seek out new music constantly, as a balanced mind is a healthier mind.