Music and its effects

While sitting in class many students feel the temptation to listen to music. Why? Often it is used so students can block out the world around them to create their own world helping with their health as well as a way to voice their own opinions on current world problems creating social circles. “I listen to radiohead to make my day worse and I get more into my feelings that way.” says Christopher Crowell, an 11th grader at Lodi High School. As you surround yourself with music that allows you to express yourself and keep an open mind you start to accept your emotions easier.

Music helps improve social skills,  “Music can also serve as a catalyst for social connection and support, breaking down barriers and bridging divides.” says Fátima Reynolds Senior Program Manager, Division of Diversity and Health Equity and American Psychiatric Association who wrote an article about the transformative power of music in mental well-being. This article mentions the psychological effect music has as well the power it has to help marginalized groups speak out against narratives. Music can change your perspective on the world as well as your views on certain topics, “I think of U2, the smiths, and Midnight oil opened me up to very historical and political ideologies.” says Mrs. Lembcke, a high school special education teacher. Music helps marginalized groups speak out but also helps bring attention to these marginalized groups. Helping form more social connections.

Not only is the role of music important to the social parts of our lives, but it is also very important to our cognitive well being. Music can help stimulate the brain and enhance cognitive functions which leads to improved focus, memory, and attention. “Music can activate almost all the brain regions and networks, it can help keep a myriad of brain pathways and networks strong.” Article called Why is Music Good For the Brain from Harvard Health. These parts of the brain help activate emotional responses through your memory.  Improving cognitive functions helps significantly improve mental health and physical health. It helps reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression helping you evoke emotion which helps people feel safe about expressing and coping with their feelings. While it may not seem like it, music helps improve your physical well being. It helps with improving your heart rate, motor skills, and even enhances your immune system.

So the next time you feel the temptation to listen to music while doing homework, maybe exercising, or just to help you focus you should, because you may learn something about yourself.