Music has been the topic of major discussion over the last twenty years about how it has changed and what effect it is having on many young people.
Opinions however can be quite divided, some say music is too distracting while working and studying while others claim it boosts creativity and helps with anxiety.
I am of the opinion that it is very beneficial for young people, (Even now I am listening to music as I am writing this post) and I will tell you why!
Studying
Increasingly more and more students are attending libraries putting in headphones and listening to music while preparing for end of semester exams. Best methods of studying are very much a personal preference, students find their own perfect way to study for exams and many are resorting to listening to music to maximise their study performance.
Here are some reasons why I find music helpful:
- Calming or relaxing music can help deal with the stress or anxiety that is associated with studying.
- Background music (If headphones aren't your first choice) can vastly improve your mood and help stay focused during long draining study sessions.
- Music can be used for recollection of information if the music creates a positive mood and make the memory easier to recall in the long run.
Working
20 years ago you would never have heard of someone in an office environment handling sensitive information and listening to music. However today, many offices tolerate or encourage their staff to listen to music if they need to really focus and not have anyone interrupt them if client work is on a tight schedule and the deadline is approaching.
Productivity:
One of the big reasons for this new trend of listening to music and encouragement by employers to do so is because it can increase business productivity. More productivity leads to more sales, more tasks being completed and at a quicker rate. This in turn equals more revenue and more profits for a business and leads to happy employers and happy employees which brings me onto my next point.
Happiness:
Sometimes as employees we may have to do dull, monotonous tasks that no one enjoys doing but it is necessary for the job to be done. Music has been shown to be able to release the chemical dopamine into the brain which enables you get into a positive mood. Happier employees also leads to more productivity. Less stressed employees means that their work is more rewarding and an office that is full of people with positive vibes is a very good place to work!
Mental Health
Arguably the most topical problem within society today. Individuals mental health is at the forefront of most conversations about problems faced by young adults. Mental health issues has caused some very serious growth in the number of deaths by suicide in young adults, particularly in the age category of 18 - 25. Music has been found to be helpful in dealing with mental health issues that someone may have.
"Strong body of research supports the capability of music to enhance a person’s psychological well-being and inject positivity into their lives."
According to Music Therapy Ireland (MTI) they have discovered the benefits of music are as follows:
- Provides psychological support
- Promotes self-awareness and understanding
- Promotes mindfulness and reduces levels of stress and anxiety
- Reduces agitation and promotes positive behaviours
- Helps individuals to develop coping strategies
- Enhances self-esteem by enabling successful participation in activities and through the development of the person’s creativity
- Promotes participation and socialisation which helps to reduce feelings of social isolation
- Enhances social/interpersonal skills
- Facilitates speech and communication
- Enhances the quality of relationships, family interactions and support
- Enhances self-expression and emotional response by providing a safe place to communicate emotions
- Engages and develops attention
- Improves functional skills (e.g. memory, learning).
And remember if someone says to you that you listen to too much music, they probably have no idea what they are talking about!
BlogPost by Liam Mulvihill
Member of BaseNote
Image content acknowledgements:
- Image 1: https://images.app.goo.gl/iBwUcnUjJ6UzgWC39
- Image 2: https://images.app.goo.gl/EDSQxXpsCzsHc4KCA
- Image 3: https://images.app.goo.gl/A14dYGKoVxbxJPpN9
Benefits of music therapy provided by MTI, more information available on their website at : https://www.musictherapyireland.com/mental-health