Average adult listens to 10 hours of music a week to improve mood

A study of 2,000 Brits found almost a third have turned to music to help them through the pandemic and more than half said particular songs can dramatically improve their mood.

And 26 per cent claimed music has been more important to them than ever during the last few months.

While 37 per cent have created different playlists depending on how they feel, six in 10 also have certain songs which evoke memories.

A fifth have listened to particular songs to help them feel connected to people or places during the pandemic and 20 per cent have listened to the radio more than ever before.

The research was commissioned by ibis Hotels, which is creating a playlist of songs that have helped people through the last 18 months. It also emerged that on average, adults put music on twice a week, specifically to get themselves out of a grump.

And 54 per cent turn to certain songs to cheer themselves up when feeling sad or fed-up, of which 51 per cent admitted to playing more often in recent times.

James Wheatcroft, for Ibis Hotels said:

“The research proves what an impact music has on moods and how music has helped keep us connected to people during the pandemic.

“Two-thirds admitted to music bringing them to tears and 16 per cent listen to songs to remind them of people who have passed away showing how music is powerful, it unites people, it keeps people connected to places and memories and it has been more important than ever in the last 18 months.”

“While live music was off limits, it’s nice to see people experimented with different genres and even listened to more music than normal to be reminded of better times or feel connected with others.”

The study also found the pandemic made a tenth of those polled more experimental with what they’ve listened to and 16 per cent have streamed music more than ever before.

And while 22 per cent have been bought to tears of sadness over a piece of music, 13 per cent have also cried with happiness.

A further three in 10 of those polled via OnePoll are looking forward to seeing live music as restrictions continue to ease.