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From Motivation to Relaxation

The power of music

When we listen to music, it doesn’t just engage our ears. Everything from the hippocampus in the brain to our motor system is activated, sparking memories, evoking pleasure and influencing us to move around. These interactions are key to understanding why music plays such a powerful role in shaping our mood, motivation and well-being.

The science of music

Music has been a part of human culture for thousands of years, and its effects on the brain are both complex and deeply ingrained. Scientifically, music stimulates a range of brain areas, including regions associated with emotion, memory and movement, which is why it can make us feel so many different things from happy, sad, relaxed or motivated.

When it comes to motivation, music taps into the brain’s dopamine system, which is responsible for the pleasure and reward centers. Studies show listening to music you enjoy can release dopamine, a neurotransmitter that creates feelings of happiness and satisfaction. This is why music is a powerful tool for boosting motivation, especially when tackling tasks that require focus, energy or enthusiasm.

Music also has a profound effect on relaxation. Certain types of music, particularly slow, soothing melodies, can reduce the production of stress hormones like cortisol and encourage the production of serotonin, which helps regulate mood and promote feelings of calm. 

A tool for team building

While music has a personal impact on us, it can also be an incredibly powerful tool for building connections in a group. I recently attended a Women’s Summit in Dallas, Texas, where I experienced this firsthand. 

Alicia Stephens, director of education at BioLab, introduced the idea of a “Tank Song.” A Tank Song is a track that gets you fired up — something you would play if you were about to go into battle. It’s a song that makes you feel strong, motivated and ready to take on any challenge.

During the summit, women were invited to share their Tank Songs, and over the course of the event, Jamie Novak, director of pro brands marketing at BioLab, compiled them into a playlist that everyone could access. This playlist wasn’t just a collection of motivational music; it became a shared experience and unifying force. The idea of sharing music with colleagues is more than just an icebreaker; it’s a way to build connections and strengthen bonds within a team. When team members share their favorite music, it creates opportunities for bonding while humanizing our work environment, breaking down barriers and fostering a sense of camaraderie.

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For sales teams, in particular, this can be a game-changer. A shared playlist can create an energizing start to the day, whether it’s during the morning commute or as a premeeting pump-up. Imagine walking into a sales meeting where everyone has been listening to the same playlist of high-energy, motivating tracks. Not only does this set a positive tone but it also creates a shared experience that can foster stronger teamwork.

Music and our customers

This concept can extend to customer interactions as well. Using music to create fun, meaningful engagements with customers can significantly elevate their experience with your store.

Using music to create fun, meaningful engagements with customers can significantly elevate their experience with your store.”

Susan McPhie, SilkBalance

For example, spa retailers can curate a custom playlist of relaxing, soothing tracks that customers can enjoy during their spa time. To make the interaction more personal, retailers can invite customers to submit their favorite spa songs. This not only gives customers a sense of ownership over their spa experience but also allows retailers to connect with them on a deeper level. When customers feel their preferences are recognized and valued, they are more likely to build a stronger connection with the store and its team, leading to greater customer loyalty and more meaningful, long-lasting relationships with your business.

The power of music in everyday life

For me, music has always been a powerful motivator. Over the past 10 years, I’ve been exchanging songs via text message with Mario Maichel, dealer development manager at Watkins Wellness. Randomly, Mario will send me a link to a song, and every time I listen, it has an immediate impact on my mood. 

This practice of sharing music with friends and colleagues is something I love to do, as it’s not just about the songs themselves, it’s about the connections we build through music. Each song is a small window into someone else’s world, and listening to what inspires or relaxes them helps foster a sense of closeness, even across distances. 

Incorporating music into life, whether it’s through a personal Tank Song playlist or a collaborative effort with colleagues can have a lasting impact on both motivation and relaxation. 

Music’s impact on motivation, connection and experience

The next time you’re looking to boost your mood, connect with your team or create a meaningful experience for customers, don’t underestimate the power of a song. Thank you to Alicia Stephens, Jamie Novak and Mario Maichel for inspiring me to share this story. Their passion and insight have not only encouraged me to think about my experiences with music but also reminded me of the power that music holds in shaping emotions, driving motivation and creating lasting connections. If you are interested in learning more about music and how it affects us, I recommend “This is Your Brain on Music” by McGill University neuroscientist Daniel J. Levitin.