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Music can be a powerful mood lifter releases dopamineimproves our mood, relieves stress, helps us focusand get us motivated in the gym. It can also be used to enhance your ride, whether it’s an overland trip or a strenuous commute. However, mastering your driving playlist goes beyond creating a perfect playlist of favorites – although it is certainly recommended. Let’s let science explain how.
Sad music can make you feel better
If you’re looking to survive a punishing drive, listening to happy music may be your first inclination, but the opposite is also good for you: sad music can make your morning commute more enjoyable and prepare you for an energetic and productive day. According to A survey study conducted by Ford, Spotify, and New York UniversityListening to melancholy songs can improve your mood while driving, and the effects linger up to two hours after you have achieved your goal.
Amy Belfi, a cognitive neuroscientist at NYU, explains:
‘Sad’ songs can actually make us feel good. For example, they can remind us of difficult experiences that we have overcome and learned from.
Better drive by listening to “Heartbeat” songs
On a nice day, I love rolling down the windows and blasting my music while driving the freeway, but loud music and high tempos can affect my safety. Car insurance Direct connection to London reported on a study by the university psychologist Dr. Simon Moore, in which it was found that listening to loud, fast-paced music can trigger more dangerous driving.
Instead, try listening to music that mimics the rhythm and tempo of your heartbeat. This keeps the flow of dopamine going and helps you maintain a calm, resting heart rate so you can focus on sharing the road safely. Dr. Moore recommends swapping MIA’s “Paper Planes” for “All the Stars” by Kendrick Lamar and SZA (although “Paper Planes” is a blast in the summer).
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Dr. Moore also provides a list of songs to add to your safe driving playlist:
- “Come Away with Me” by Norah Jones
- “Billionaire” by Travie McCoy (Feat. Bruno Mars)
- “I’m Yours” by Jason Mraz
- “The Scientist” by Coldplay
- “Tiny Dancer” by Elton John
- “Cry Me a River” by Justin Timberlake
- “I don’t want to miss a thing” by Aerosmith
- “Karma Police” from Radiohead
- “A dream never came true” by S Club 7
- “Skinny Love” from Bon Iver
- “God’s Plan” by Drake
- “Lucid Dreams from Juice WRLD
- “SADI” by XXXTENTACION
- “IDGAF” by Dua Lipa
- “Taste” by Tyga (Feat. Offset)
- “All the Stars (with SZA)” by Kendrick Lamar
- “Eastside (with Halsey & Khalid)” by Benny Blanco
- “2002” by Anne-Marie “River” by Eminem (Feat. Ed Sheeran)
- “Feel It Still” from Portugal. The man
Happily go!