Have you ever noticed how the music you choose seems to match your mood? A quiet, melancholic melody might feel just right on a day when sadness lingers, while an upbeat rhythm can suddenly brighten a dull morning. Music has a way of tapping into something deeper in us, shaping how we feel, think, and move through our day.

But it’s not just about the notes we hear—it’s about what the music brings alive in us.

Sad music, for example, often resonates with our emotional depth. It slows us down, inviting us to sit with feelings we might otherwise avoid. There’s something profoundly comforting about a song that seems to understand your pain, as though the melody is saying, You’re not alone in this. Sad music has a way of giving space to emotions that need acknowledgment, allowing us to process and release what we’re holding.

On the other hand, happy or upbeat music often energizes us. It can shift us out of a funk, lift our spirits, and help us reconnect with joy or playfulness. A favorite song can remind us that even in heavy times, there’s still lightness to be found. Sometimes, it feels like happy music doesn’t just change your mood—it changes the whole energy of the room.

But why do these shifts happen? What’s really going on beneath the surface when we press play?

At its core, music connects us to ourselves. It brings forward parts of us that might be buried or silent. A sad song might tap into a tender, grieving part of us that needs compassion. A lively tune might call on the part of us that craves movement, spontaneity, or fun. Music creates a bridge between our emotions and the stories we carry, helping us tune in to parts of ourselves that are asking to be heard.

There’s no “right” way to use music, and its effect isn’t always predictable. Sometimes, sad music feels comforting, while at other times, it might deepen a mood we’re trying to shift. Happy music can feel like a jolt of energy, but it can also feel out of reach when we’re not ready for it.

The key is awareness. What do you notice about your mood or energy when you turn on a certain song? What part of you does the music speak to? And how does it feel to sit with what comes up?

Music can be a tool for exploration, a way to connect with emotions we don’t have words for. It can also be a tool for shifting—an intentional choice to invite a new energy into our day. There’s power in recognizing what you need in the moment and choosing music that supports it.

For example, if you’re feeling stuck in sadness, you might try playing something lighthearted to see if it helps lift your energy. Or, you might lean into the sadness with a song that allows you to fully feel it before letting it go. If you’re tired but need to power through a task, an upbeat playlist might help you find momentum. And if you’re overwhelmed, softer, soothing music might help you ground.

What’s important is not to force yourself to feel a certain way because of the music. Instead, notice how it interacts with where you already are. Sometimes, the most healing thing is simply letting music meet you in the moment—whether that’s through a sorrowful ballad or a cheerful dance beat.

At the end of the day, music reminds us that emotions are fluid, and so are we. The songs we choose reflect the parts of ourselves we’re connecting with in that moment, helping us navigate the complexities of being human.

So, what’s on your playlist today? Maybe it’s the soundtrack to let yourself feel deeply. Maybe it’s the rhythm that helps you shift into joy. Either way, music is a companion—a reflection of the inner world we carry, helping us find connection and balance as we move through life.

Embracing Shadows, Illuminating Hope,
Chelsey Fjeldheim, LCSW
Empowering Souls on the Path of Healing

Copyright © 2025 Chelsey Fjeldheim, Courage Speaks Counseling