In today’s world, music is one of the most used coping mechanisms for people dealing with their feelings and emotions. Music provides individuals with tools and strategies to navigate through challenging situations. Taking care of your mental well-being enables us to manage stress, anxiety, and a variety of emotions. Engaging in self-reflection, practicing self-care, and seeking emotional support can strengthen our resilience and help us find healthier ways to cope with the challenges life throws at us. It’s important to remember that everyone has their own unique coping strategies that best help them, and according to Verywellmind.com, a whopping 97% of people throughout the world choose to cope with music.
Another statistic in the music world coming from nypost.com, is how 82% of teens listen to music every day. Teens listen to music so much because it allows them to express themselves, relate to others, and cope with various emotions. Music serves as a form of personal identity and a way for teens to explore their own tastes and preferences. It provides a sense of belonging and connection, as the music world has a variety of different interests that teens can find songs and artists that resonate with their experiences and feelings. Music can be a source of comfort and support during challenging times, offering a way to escape or process your emotions. Whether you’re studying, hanging out with friends, or going through different life transitions, music is a constant companion for teens, providing them with a soundtrack to their lives.
According to Healthline.com, and Northshore.org, music scientifically boosts your mood because it activates areas of the brain associated with emotions and pleasure. When we listen to music we enjoy, our brain releases dopamine, a neurotransmitter that produces feelings of happiness and reward. Music can also influence heart rate, breathing, and the release of stress related hormones, helping us humans feel relaxed and calm. It can serve as a form of emotional expression, allowing us to connect with our emotions, find comfort, and even motivation. Overall, music has a positive impact on everyone’s mood due to its neurochemical and emotional effects on people.
When I had the opportunity to ask RHS Junior, Giada Campiglia, how music boosts her mood. She responded with “Sometimes when I’m just not having a great day, which we all have, I put in my air pods and decompress with some of my favorite songs. It boosts my mood in a way that makes me feel calm and relaxed as I follow along with the lyrics.” I also asked RHS Sophomore, Isabella Rogalsky, what music meant to her, and she followed up with “Music is something small in the world that can make a big change. What I mean by that is, one three-minute song can fix someone’s twenty-four-hour day and help them get to the next day.” Looking at both of the answers, they happened to be somewhat similar. This just shows how important music is to people.
Music is used so much in today’s world because it has the power to connect people, evoke emotions, and create memorable experiences. It serves as a universal language that transcends barriers and brings individuals together. Music is not only a coping mechanism and entertainment, but also a means of self-expression, storytelling, and cultural preservation. It can be found in various aspects of our lives, from personal listening experiences to social gatherings, movies, advertisements, and even therapy. In a fast paced and often stressful world, music provides a sense of comfort, relaxation, and escape. For those looking to develop their musical skills, online piano lessons offer a convenient and accessible way to learn and practice. It has the ability to uplift our spirits, inspire creativity, and ignite a sense of nostalgia. In summary, music plays a significant role in our lives because of its ability to enhance our mood, bring people together, and add depth and meaning to our everyday experiences.