As high schoolers, we all know that music is more than just entertainment. It can have widespread effects on our mood, motivation, and productivity. From little moments of joy to overwhelming periods of stress, music has the power to shape it all. How can we use this to our advantage and how does our mood influence our music preferences?
When it comes to productivity, not all music is created equal. A lot of teens are undoubtedly familiar with this predicament: you’re trying to study and find just the right song. When you’ve finally found one that hits the spot, it’s just too distracting and you end up working faster without it. Or, you find a song with a relaxing beat, but it doesn’t keep you motivated long enough to work for long periods of time. “When I’m studying, I usually listen to Chase Atlantic. Their music is upbeat, which keeps me awake, but it’s mellow enough so that it’s not distracting,” Dublin High junior Rucha Mulay reflected. “But when I get tired of their music, I find myself lost wondering what else to listen to.”
Instrumental music, such as classical, lofi, or ambient sounds, is often recommended for studying because it lacks lyrics that could be distracting. According to the “Mozart effect” theory, listening to classical compositions may temporarily enhance your spatial reasoning and problem solving skills. In fact, this is why many parents play classical music for their babies. Studies have shown that it soothes their stress by reducing heart rate and breathing rate and also promotes brain development. On the other hand, upbeat music with vocals might be helpful for repetitive tasks that don’t require utmost concentration (e.g. cleaning your room).
But how does our mood affect the type of music we gravitate towards? Research suggests that when people are feeling down, they typically turn to sad music. It’s not necessarily to dwell on their sadness, but rather, to find validation in the lyrics. On the other hand, when we feel happy, we often choose more uplifting tunes that reflect our positivity. This connection between music and mood is why playlists catered towards specific emotions, such as “chill,” “focus,” or “feel-good” mixes are so popular. Consequently, it’s important to consider your mood when selecting the right music. “When I work out, pop always keeps me energetic and motivated,” Samaira Gaind shared. “Sometimes I need loud music to drown out everything else and concentrate.”
Can the right music help us find motivation? Absolutely! Upbeat genres like rock, pop, or even movie soundtracks are popular because they act as a source of energy and drive. Songs with a strong beat can stimulate movement and energy, making tasks feel less daunting. This is why countless athletes use high-energy playlists to push through exhausting workouts. And the value hype music brings doesn’t end at the gym– If you have an overwhelming task or project to complete, take it one step at a time, and with the right uplifting music, things might go a lot smoother than you would anticipate.
Ultimately, music is a very personal experience, and different genres impact different people in different ways. However, most people can undoubtedly agree that music, whatever the type may be, is an integral part of their everyday lives. So let’s take a moment to appreciate all the variety around us in the music industry: from R&B to indie rock, there’s something for everyone!
