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Writer's pictureThe Meredith Herald Staff

OPINION: Relieving Stress With Music

As college students, stress has become an almost inevitable part of life. From upcoming exams to personal responsibilities and trying to balance academics with a social life, it can be hard to find an escape. I have found that listening to music can help to calm the background noise and pressures around me. According to Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare , when listening to music we enjoy, it causes our brains to release dopamine, the "feel-good" neurotransmitter. Music can also lower the production of the stress hormone, cortisol. The combination can help more than you realize to calm down and relax after a stressful day of class, jobs, and assignments.

I also think that it is important to choose the right type of music to match your mood. Different people find relief in various genres, so it is crucial to identify what works best for you. For some, classical compositions from greats like Mozart or Debussy may offer a calming escape, while others may find comfort in the soothing melodies of folk, ambient, or even heavy metal music.

Personally, I enjoy a wide range of genres and music styles, from classical when I’m studying for an exam and in between classes I may opt for some pop-rock or R&B. It can be difficult to find the right choice as, there is new music popping up everyday, and everyone has their own preference. I hope that my top choices can give you a good starting point to making your “stress free” album.

My current favorites:

  1. Come Back to Earth by Mac Miller: This song is consistently helping me to stay in the moment and calm the background noise of college life.

  2. Overdrive by Post Malone: With its mellow vibe, this song is a great choice to unwind after a busy day.

  3. Cherry waves by Deftones: This is a great song to find your inner calm.

  4. As You Are by The Weeknd: This song has beautiful lyrics as well as a beautiful melody. I think it's great for a drive somewhere after a long day.

  5. Gnarly by Kodak Black and Lil Pump: If you prefer a more upbeat or rap-styled track, this song can provide the energy boost you need.

  6. 16 by Baby Keem: Another great choice if you enjoy upbeat/rap style music.

  7. Secrets by A Boogie wit da Hoodie: A good mixture of upbeat yet relaxing music if you aren’t sure which you are interested in.

  8. Love to Dream by Doja Cat: If you are looking for more of a pop/hip-hop style, this song could be a great listen.

  9. Iris by the Goo Goo Dolls: A great throwback to sing along to and unwind to.

  10. Somebody told me by The Killers: This is a more upbeat throwback to help you feel good in the moment.

As classes pick up pace and due dates come around, I think it's important to find your escape. So, next time you feel the weight of stress on your shoulders, plug in your headphones, and see where the lyrics and melody take you. I hope you will check out these songs and that they will help with whatever may be weighing on you.


By Miriya Carson, Contributing Writer

Graphic by: Shae-Lynn Henderson, EIC

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