Music has charms to soothe a savage breast, to soften rocks, or bend a knotted oak.

English poet and playwright William Congreve penned this famous and often misquoted line for his tragedy, The Mourning Bride. That was in 1697 … centuries before anyone conceived of a phonograph, radio, or MP3. But even then people recognized the tremendous influence music could have on human emotions.

If you’re struggling with anger, depression, or restlessness, don’t just throw on an album from the opposite end of the mood spectrum and hope it will do the trick. Be strategic. Start with something that matches what you’re feeling now: heavy metal, blues, intense jazz. As you get in sync with the music, gradually shift to songs that take you from where you are emotionally to where you’d like to be. Soon you’ll notice your anger abating, your spirits lifting, your restlessness calming as mind and body take on the rhythms you’ve chosen.