Not having a good day? Add some music! The effects of music are healing and can change a mood around very quickly. I know many people already know this, but I felt like a reminder was in order.
When I was working in an office environment, it was so quiet all the time and honestly, completely boring. The only thing that helped make my day a little more lively was my music. I would put on my headphones and blast songs from my favorite movie soundtracks or some very upbeat tunes to drown out the silence. I could only listen to the upbeat tunes in small doses though, as they always made me want to dance and the environment I worked in DID NOT condone dancing. It was a health insurance company, so they should have highly encouraged dancing and movement during the day, but I always got the clue that they wanted us to reserve that for our own time, away from our desk. Sad, but true.
Not only did music help my mood, but it also helps to inspire me. I used a lot of music in the learning materials I created at my office job. I think music can set a tone and help engage learners from the very beginning. I love when a teacher or a facilitator uses music in their classroom or in a conference setting. It helps me get excited for what is to come. When I taught, I used music very often to inspire my lessons and to inspire the students when they were working on a project. My very first teaching job had me teaching 6th grade students-dreaded middle school kids. The teachers warned me about their classes and I was determined to make it a great experience. I made playlists of current songs that the kids and I both liked and we listened to them during our art creation time. I remember the kids really enjoyed it and I also remember not having behavior problems with that group too. Music was a little magic worker in my classroom for sure.
Sometimes the words in music ring true to life and help you understand that others have gone through similar life situations as you. The very first lyrics in Madonna's song Jump ("There's only so much you can learn in one place, The more that I wait, the more time that I waste") really hit my heart when I was trying to figure out if I should quit my office job or not. Hearing those words brought tears to my eyes and I knew at that moment it was time to move on.
So, the next time you feel yourself slipping off into a bad mood (or a mood you really don't want to be in), or need to get something accomplished, turn on music that will help bring on the motivation you need.
Here are some suggestions you can try:
I listen to spa sounds when I need to bring more calm into my day.
I listen to piano music when I want to feel close to my Nani (my grandmother).
I listen to dance music when I need to get off my couch and start my daily exercise routine.
I listen to this particular song because it is my "go-to, get me out of any bad mood, anytime, anywhere" song. I don't know exactly why it always works (although, the beat is REALLY good), but it does.
Experiment and see what works for you.