April Showers Bring May Flowers: The Power of Positive Music

We have all heard the saying April Showers Bring May Flowers. But have you ever applied this concept to more than just the flowers you plant outside? The seeds we plant this month, or the actions we take, will come to life or affect us in the following months. 

A great example of this concept is music. Just like April rain helps flowers bloom in May, the music we listen to can transform our mood, our mindset, and even our inner dialogue. 

What song seeds are you planting and watering for the season to come? Are the lyrics you are consuming inspiring positive and uplifting thoughts or brewing negative dialogue? 

In this blog, we will explore how the music we choose to listen to is like planting seeds for the future and the ways positive music can affect your day. 

Dr. Mary also invites you to follow along with her Music Mondays on Instagram, where she introduces a new song each week that will help you on your journey to planting positive seeds for the season. 

7 Ways Positive Music Can Affect Your Day

1. Elevates Your Mood

A great example of a song that elevates your mood is “Flowers” by Miley Cyrus. Listening to upbeat, joyful music can stimulate the release of dopamine, the brain’s “feel-good” chemical. A dopamine boost in mood can set a more positive tone for the rest of your day. 

In contrast, music with dark, aggressive, or melancholic tones can reinforce feelings of sadness, irritability, or hopelessness, potentially dragging down your overall mood.

2. Shapes Your Inner Dialogue

A song that can help shape your inner dialogue is “My Next Thirty Years” by Tim McGraw. Music with empowering or affirming lyrics can influence how you talk to yourself. Positive messages in songs can replace negative thoughts with confidence, encouragement, and self-compassion. 

Negative lyrics, on the other hand, may amplify self-doubt, cynicism, or anger, subtly influencing your internal narrative in ways that may not support your well-being.

3. Increases Motivation

“We Weren’t Born to Follow” by Jon Bon Jovi is a great song to increase motivation. Dr. Mary shares, “When I hear this song, I imagine a 25-30 second sprint at the chorus for a total of 3 sprints!” A motivating playlist can provide the energy and drive needed to tackle tasks, whether that be a morning workout, a long to-do list, or a creative project. 

Music that is emotionally draining can reduce your drive and make even simple tasks feel more difficult or overwhelming.

4. Reduces Stress and Nervousness

To reduce stress and nervousness, a song like “Better Together” by Jack Johnson can be soothing. Soothing melodies and gentle rhythms can help calm the nervous system, reduce cortisol levels, and bring a sense of calm and clarity during stressful moments.

Conversely, chaotic or overly intense music can heighten nervousness or agitation, making it harder to relax or concentrate.

5. Enhances Perspective and Gratitude

Dr. Mary shares, “I used to think people were crazy to sing Gospel music. Over time, I realized Gospel music has some great beats and anytime you include God in your praise and gratitude, God becomes more present naturally.” 

Her song recommendation is “Still Standing” by JO and the Lakewood Church.

Lyrics that focus on appreciation, love, and resilience can inspire a shift in mindset, encouraging you to reflect on the positive aspects of your life. As Dr. Mary puts it, “God is making a HUGE comeback in PDF… Public Displays of FAITH. God is not a regular dad. He’s a COOL DAD. I see families heal when they, as a family, create an INTENTIONAL ‘spiritual connection’ with God and community.”

​​Music that emphasizes negativity, conflict, or despair can reinforce a pessimistic outlook and diminish your sense of gratitude or hope.

6. Builds Emotional Connection

Sharing music with others or simply listening to songs that resonate emotionally can strengthen your sense of connection and empathy, both with yourself and others. For example, opening communication with a love song to your significant other may strengthen your relationship. Sending empowering songs to your gals and pals, letting them know you are rooting for them, creates a sense of “I belong,” “I’m connected,” and “I am loved and supported.” 

Dr. Mary suggests playing your “first dance” song, and when you both hear that song, tune into any of the emotions you are experiencing, which might be nostalgia. 

Negative or isolating music, especially when consumed excessively, may deepen feelings of disconnection, loneliness, or resentment.

Stimulates Creativity

Songs that stimulate positivity and are even kid-friendly are “My Favorite Things” or “Supercalifragilistic” by Julie Andrews in The Sound of Music and Mary Poppins, respectively. Positive music can clear mental clutter and create a mental space where ideas flow more easily. It can help you approach challenges with a fresh perspective and renewed inspiration.

On the flip side, music that is mentally or emotionally draining can cloud your thoughts and make it more difficult to focus, innovate, or think creatively.

Planting Seeds for Children

Whether it is calming melodies to wind down, upbeat tunes to energize, or soulful lyrics that help us feel seen, music has a powerful way of shaping our emotions and experiences throughout the day. Music is a tool for healing, inspiration, and expression, for kids and adults alike.

Holistic healing isn’t just for adults, it’s a gift we can give our kids from the very beginning. Through stories that promote natural wellness, mindfulness, and gentle self-care, you’re planting seeds of confidence, calm, and connection. 

Explore Dr. Mary’s collection of children’s books that inspire early wellness: 

A Hypnotherapy Bedtime Story – Relaxation meets imagination

A Craniosacral Story – Gentle healing through nurturing touch

A Chiropractic Story – Alignment, energy, and the magic within

Holisticky Twisty Nursery Rhymes – Wellness lessons through rhyme

Let’s make this season one of renewal, joy, and empowered growth.