By Year 11 student
Music has an impact on everyone’s thoughts, especially our own. Some look at music as “background noise” or simply something to do when watching something or doing something “more entertaining” isn’t available. We rarely realize it, yet only one single song can have the power to instantly change our entire mood and behaviors. You may have experienced a shift in mood from tense to relaxed or from exhausted to invigorated simply by just opening your music app, starting a song, and fully starting vibing to a playlist, which can really make a difference in our day.
Music can have a huge impact on our emotions, completely being able to influence our energy and lives overall. We (out of instinct) select music that reflects our mood when you’re feeling good. You may find yourself listening to slower music when you’re down since it seems to understand and match your mood better than anything else. Sometimes it’s not even about making yourself feel better, but more about allowing yourself to truely feel what you were feeling in a healthy and deeper way. For me, particularly on difficult days, listening to more down or soft music can feel reassuring when I do not have someone in particular to talk to or know exactly how to express it in other ways.
Music can also impact your concentration levels. It might eliminate distractions and establish a consistent rhythm that helps you while you are concentrating. Some people find that they cannot study without it. For some, listening to music with lyrics distracts them from their writing or reading. Because of this, different playlists are appropriate for different tasks. Louder music for exercises, lively tunes for cleaning, and soothing instrumental music for homework. Your brain can essentially flip between three modes thanks to music.
Music is also extremely important as it can stimulate back some old memories. A song may bring back memories from a road trip in another country, a particular hang out or friend, a summer vacation, or even a difficult time you felt was most difficult for you. Then all of a sudden, you are back in that same moment, not just remembering it, but really feeling it, like a special type of nostalgia. Because of this, listening to an old music might bring you back in time. It reminds you of a past self you believed you had moved behind.
Your energy and confidence are also impacted by music. Songs that hype you up are popular for a reason. The appropriate song can give you a sense of strength and control before a game, a presentation, or even just heading into school. It changes the way you behave, your attitude, and how you look, it’s just the way your brain responds to rhythm and music.
Lastly, your identity is shaped by music. Your personality and perspective can be reflected in the music you listen to. Sending someone a song may telling them how you are currently feeling without having to explain it. Music sharing is another approach to build relationships.
Music is really more than just a easy and quick form of entertainment. It acts as a way to express yourself, feel more motivated or passionate, feel some emotions, or to bring back some old memories. You get to pick what you play next, and listening while it almost soundtracks your life.
