You know that feeling when a song comes on, and suddenly you’re not where you are—you’re back in high school, at your favorite beach, or driving down the highway with the windows down, singing your heart out? That’s not just a vibe—it’s therapy.
The Mental Health Power of Music
Music is medicine. Music triggers memory, and memory triggers emotion. Studies have shown that music engages various areas of the brain, including those associated with memory and emotion, like the hippocampus and the prefrontal cortex. Nostalgia, it turns out, is good for you—it creates a sense of continuity, joy, and even resilience during tough times. Research indicates that music-evoked nostalgia confers psychological benefits by fostering social connectedness and enhancing self-esteem. Most of all, music can “drown out” the toxic stories you might be telling yourself or the repetitive loop of obsessive thoughts we commonly have when we get overwhelmed. Engaging with music, whether as a listener or a player, facilitates entry into the brain’s default mode network (DMN), which is instrumental for processes like problem-solving, relaxation, and reducing rumination.
Music + Movement = Less Perceived Effort
Integrating music into your workout doesn’t just make exercise more enjoyable—it makes it more effective. Research shows that music can reduce perceived effort, increase endurance, and help synchronize movement, creating a natural rhythm that propels you forward. When the beat matches your pace, it becomes easier to stay in motion, especially during repetitive or high-intensity intervals.
The “Ice Ice Baby” Effect 🧊🎤
Seriously, try being in a bad mood when “Ice Ice Baby” by Vanilla Ice comes on. Or “Say My Name” by Destiny’s Child. Or “Bye Bye Bye” by *NSYNC. It’s practically impossible. These songs tap into our inner child, our carefree eras, our MTV TRL afternoons.
Music videos, too, carry a time capsule quality. Watching Britney’s “…Baby One More Time” or the Backstreet Boys’ “Everybody” isn’t just entertaining—it’s like a mood vitamin. You’re transported. You feel better.
How to Make a “Feel Good” Music Ritual
🧠 Create a nostalgic playlist: Include songs from childhood, school dances, summer road trips, or old workout routines.
📺 Watch iconic music videos: Let yourself fall down a YouTube rabbit hole—Spice Girls, Missy Elliott, Green Day, TLC. Guilt-free.
🧘♀️ Use it as a transition tool: Between meetings, during your commute, or post-workout, use these songs as a mental reset.
💃 Move with it: Dance around your kitchen. Lip sync in the mirror. Let your body release tension through movement.
The DAOFitLife Takeaway
Your brain craves joy, not just productivity. So next time you feel the mental weight of deadlines, workouts, and the “doing” of life—press play on your past. Let Vanilla Ice, Britney, or Eminem remind you that you’re still that same fierce, fabulous version of yourself—just with better taste in athleisure.
Because no one is sad when “Ice Ice Baby” is playing.
You can follow DAOFitLife on Spotify @DAOFitLife
