"How to Survive the Mean Season: Science-Backed Songs That Boost Your Happiness"
The Mean Season: How Music Can Boost Your Happiness—SCIENTIFICALLY
If you’re anything like me, this time of year can feel overwhelming. I’ve officially nicknamed it the Mean Season — that period from Thanksgiving to Valentine’s Day when life seems to pile on the pressure. Our credit card bills are due from overspending at Christmas, our clothes don’t fit from overeating and over-drinking, and the sun has not been seen since October. To make matters suckier, we are guilted into making (and then breaking) New Year’s resolutions before the ice even melts. Yup, this season has its challenges. And if you’re single, you get to cap it all off with a front-row seat to all the lovebirds, armed only with a box of chocolates and a stack of rom-coms. No wonder Bridget Jones ended up cry-singing "All By Myself" into a hairbrush.
It’s hard, plain and simple. But don’t worry, I’ve found a little something to help us all out. To make the lack of sunlight and the relentless bone chill of winter just a little bit nicer. And don’t thank me, thank science.
The Science Behind Feel-Good Songs
Did you know there’s actual scientific research aimed at identifying songs that boost happiness? One fascinating study was conducted by Dutch neuroscientist Dr. Jacob Jolij in 2015. He created a formula to determine what makes a song happiness-inducing by analyzing elements like tempo, key, lyrics, and the nostalgia factor. Here are his key findings:
High Energy/Tempo: Songs with a faster tempo (around 150 beats per minute or higher) tend to evoke more energy and joy by stimulating activity in the brain’s pleasure centers.
Major Key: Music written in a major key is generally more uplifting than tunes in a minor key.
Positive Lyrics: Themes of celebration, fun, and positivity contribute significantly to a song’s feel-good factor.
Familiarity and Nostalgia: Recognizable songs that evoke happy memories amplify the emotional boost.
Based on his findings, here is Dr. Jolij’s Happiness-Boosting Playlist. The top 10 songs scientifically proven to make you happy-er
"Don’t Stop Me Now" – Queen
"Dancing Queen" – ABBA
"Good Vibrations" – The Beach Boys
"Uptown Girl" – Billy Joel
"I Will Survive" – Gloria Gaynor
"Walking on Sunshine" – Katrina and the Waves
"Eye of the Tiger" – Survivor
"Living on a Prayer" – Bon Jovi
"Happy" – Pharrell Williams
"Girls Just Want to Have Fun" – Cyndi Lauper
Why These Songs Work
These songs combine upbeat tempos, positive themes, and familiar melodies, creating a perfect storm for lifting your spirits. They’re guaranteed to make you want to sing along, dance, or at least tap your feet. Plus, they evoke a sense of nostalgia, transporting you to happy memories.
My Personal Feel-Good Playlist
Of course, music is personal, and what works for one person might not work for another. With that in mind, here’s my gift to you: a playlist of 100 songs that always make me happy. (No Leonard Cohen or Joni Mitchell here — their music is beautiful but can eat your heart out!)
Let’s Build the Ultimate Mixtape Together
I’d love to hear what songs make you happy. Share your feel-good favorites in the comments, or click above and add directly to my 8-hour Spotify playlist: Songs Scientifically Proven to Make You Happy (or at the very least happier) and let’s survive the Mean Season together. As the song goes, we’re all in this together! (Yup, that’s a High School Musical reference.)
