You’re likely familiar with the rush of emotions that comes with listening to a particular song. Sometimes the emotional reaction is accidental; sometimes you seek out the boost music provides after a hard day. Whatever songs or artists most move you, there’s no denying that music can have a powerful effect on your mood and on how you relate to the world—humans have been turning to music for fellowship and emotional release for thousands of years.

A lot of studies have been conducted on the link between music and your emotions, and all the research points to one thing: listening to music relieves stress.

So why do you crave music? Can music’s effect on your state of mind really be that powerful?

How music relieves stress

1. Listening to music you love affects you on a chemical level.

When you listen to music you love, your brain releases dopamine, the same chemical that’s boosted when you have sex or eat a piece of chocolate. Dopamine is associated with the reward and pleasure center of your brain. In other words, you’re fundamentally wired to feel happier after jamming out in the morning or on the way home from work. Treating your stress with a healthy dose of good tunes can often significantly improve your outlook.

2. Live music gets you out of the house and increases your sense of connection with others.

If you’re feeling stressed out or anxious about some element of your life, it can be tempting to self-isolate and dwell on what’s bothering you. Taking in live music relieves stress by helping spur you out of a rut. Not only does live music get you up and moving, enjoying a live show with a group of people who are moved by the same kind of music as you will likely help you feel less alone.

3. When you listen to music, your whole brain lights up.

When you listen to a song, almost every part of your brain is actively involved in the process. Your frontal and temporal lobes process the sounds. Different types of brain cells jump to make sense of the song’s rhythm and melody. The areas of your brain associated with language kick into gear as the vocals begin. Music also activates your visual cortex—your brain attempts to create pictures that can help make sense of elemental changes throughout the song. When you tap to the beat, your motor cortex has become involved. Music relieves stress by helping you feel more alert and engaged.

4. Music can take your mind off your worries.

Stress can sometimes feel like a vicious cycle, feeding on itself and compounding your existing worries. Turning up the volume on a great song is one very effective method for stopping the cycle. By tuning out your anxieties and listening to music, you can spend a much-needed few minutes in the moment. If you’re going through a break-up, listening to someone else sing about breaking up really can help you feel less alone. Turning to music during a low point helps you let out overwhelming emotions in a way that’s safe and makes you feel better in the long-run.

5. Seeking out positive feelings provided by music relieves stress.

Researchers studying the link between music and your emotions found that it wasn’t just the music itself that made people feel better—making the decision to use music to feel happier was also important. If you’re feeling stressed or sad, actively deciding to take small steps toward a better state of mind might make all the difference.