Whether we realize it or not, music is truly everywhere in our lives. From the moment we open our eyes in the morning and check our phones to playing songs in the car to vibing with friends, music is constantly in the background. Although some may demote it to “just noise,” music actually has a great effect on our moods throughout the day.
Think about when you are getting ready in the mornings. If you put on energetic and upbeat music like hip-hop or pop, it can give you a sense of motivation and possibly wake you up even more. Without even realizing, music is feeding your soul with good energy for the day. On the flip side, listening to calming, slow beats may relax you or make you feel tired. The type of music you put on is quite literally setting the tone for your whole day.
Music also has a huge impact on our emotions, especially in stressful situations. For high schoolers, it can get overwhelming with tests, homework, jobs, and other extracurriculars, on top of balancing a social life. It is common for students to turn to music as a coping mechanism. Once you put on the headphones, you are in a whole other world full of possibilities. If you are feeling upset, listening to sad songs might help you to feel understood and less alone. At the same time, listening to happier songs can uplift you and make you feel better, while distracting you from whatever is heavy on your mind.
Along with our moods, music can be linked to specific memories. Hearing a random song might take you back to a certain moment like a road trip, school dance, fun day with friends, or even a person. Personally, there are some songs that remind me of my grandpa who recently passed away. Whenever we would be in the car, I would ask him for song requests and he would sing the songs while telling me to listen and understand the lyrics. Music connected us then and it allows me to stay connected to him now that I can no longer be with him. Certain songs can produce feelings of nostalgia or simply make you get emotional out of the blue. This is because of the way we associate music with times in our lives.
The way we act around people can also be influenced by music. Whether that be at school events or parties, music sets the vibe. If the music is loud and fun, people may dance or sing along. Though if the music is quiet and slow, the vibe may be more chill. Music has a way of controlling the atmosphere.
Even when we are alone, music controls the environment. When studying or doing homework, listening to music helps us focus, specifically the lo-fi beats. However, it may be distracting depending on the music. I find that if I am listening to music that has lyrics, I will want to sing along and dance, which pulls my focus. Either way, music affects how we think and feel while working.
All things considered, music is generally way more powerful than we realize. It changes our moods, helps us cope with different emotions, links us to certain memories, and influences how we act around others. We may not always think about it, but music is a prominent factor in our everyday lives. Whether we want to feel calm, get hyped up, or feel something at all, there will always be a song for it.
