Living in Denver, the mornings are often filled with sunshine, but by the afternoon, thunderstorms can roll in, and by evening, it clears up again, which makes my mood feel like a rollercoaster.

However, there is something that can instantly change that mood. It's music.

I often say that music is like a "legal drug."

Even on days when I feel sluggish and down, just putting in my earbuds can quickly lift my spirits.

For example, when I'm stuck in traffic on my way to work and feeling frustrated, if I blast my favorite pop songs or K-pop, my mood suddenly shifts.

Even though the traffic is still the same, thanks to the music, that time transforms from an annoying wait into a small concert.

Singing along against the backdrop of the Denver sky, I feel a sense of hope that says, 'Ah, today will be okay.'

Why does music make us feel good like this? Scientifically, it's said that when we listen to music, our brains release dopamine, the happiness hormone. So music is not just a sound we hear; it stimulates our entire brain and body, elevating our mood.

Some studies suggest that the brain's reward system is activated when we listen to music. This means we can feel the same happiness from music as we do when we eat delicious food or are with loved ones. So the expression that music is a legal drug seems to fit perfectly.

Additionally, music serves as an outlet for emotions. Sometimes when I'm going through tough times, I intentionally listen to sad ballads. This allows pent-up emotions to burst forth, leaving me feeling relieved.

Conversely, listening to upbeat EDM or dance tracks makes my body move, creating a positive energy that says, 'Yes, it's okay. Everything will be fine.' Music is like a friend that comforts me, encourages me, and pushes me forward depending on the situation.

One of the great things about living in Denver is the many opportunities to enjoy music outdoors.

In the summer, I often attend concerts at Red Rocks, and listening to music resonating in nature truly feels like a cleansing of both body and mind. In those moments, all worries and stress disappear, and it feels like only music and I exist. I believe that's the magic of music.

Of course, even when I'm home alone, music makes my day special. When I play soft jazz while cooking in the kitchen, it feels like a high-end restaurant, and when I play upbeat hip-hop while cleaning, even the tough chores become enjoyable as if I'm dancing.

These small moments accumulate, making my daily life much happier.

Ultimately, I think music makes us feel good not just by hearing sounds, but by tuning the rhythm of our hearts. Even when we are tired and broken, music never turns away from us; it comes close, sometimes holding our hands and sometimes giving us a push.

And I will continue to seek out music whenever I feel overwhelmed or exhausted. Because music is the safest and most reliable way for me to change my mood.

So I can confidently say that music is truly a legal drug. It can relieve stress and bring happiness to anyone, anytime, anywhere, without side effects.

The only thing that holds my mood, which fluctuates like the weather, is music.