The Impacts of Music

By Mia Clingham

As cold weather settles in and finals season comes upon us, it can be easy to be drawn into the whirlwind of assignment-induced stress. But one thing that has motivated me, even in the midst of writing those ten-page research papers or studying econ formulas that just won’t stick, is listening to music. According to the Stanford Report, music impacts our mood based on beats and rhythms as they alter our brainwave activity (Saarman, Stanford 2006). In simpler terms, when we listen to soothing music our bodies can be soothed to sleep. Listening to exciting and stimulating songs essentially induces happiness. I’ve made it a habit to listen to my favorite upbeat tunes as I outline papers, walk to and from class, and complete other menial tasks to leave myself feeling happy despite a hectic day filled with stressors. 

In an effort to destress or provide some happiness for people who find themselves in a better mood through music, I’ve made a playlist of some songs that I listen to in order to make me happy. It’s very varied in the genre but some of these songs can turn my mood around within seconds so I encourage a quick listen. (PSA: it’s on Spotify under my mom’s name, Liz Clingham, because we share a Spotify. I know that is beyond embarrassing because I’m a fully grown adult but I still encourage listening!) 

Serotonin > Stress Playlist

1. Sunday Candy (Donnie Trumpet & The Social Experiment) 

2. Pink + White (Frank Ocean) 

3. Boogie Wonderland (Brittany Murphy) *yes this is the Happy Feet version, it’s awesome

4. You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch (Tyler, The Creator) -for those who celebrate but just generally fun

5. Love Lost (Mac Miller, The Temper Trap) 

6. 3005 (Childish Gambino) 

7. Don’t Stop the Music (Rihanna)

8. Tongue Tied (Grouplove)

9. Lancaster Nights (Charlie Burg) 

10. Only the Good Die Young (Billy Joel) 

11. Come On Eileen (Dexys Midnight Runners)

12. Steal My Girl (One Direction) 

13. Kilby Girl (The Backseat Lovers) 

14. Somebody to Love (Queen) 

15. Mr. Blue Sky (Electric Light Orchestra) 

Honorable Mentions (overdone/didn’t quite make the cut but still crowd-pleasers) 

• The Thrill (Wiz Khalifa) 

• The Spins (Mac Miller)

• Doses and Mimosas (Cherub)

• 3 Nights (Dominick Fike) 

• Our Song (Taylor Swift) 

• Sail Into the Sun (Gentlemen Hall) 

• forever&more (ROLE MODEL)

So, as assignments pile up, don’t let stress define your mood. This tactic, ironically one of manipulation, has allowed me to continue healthy habits during the most demanding times. I hope you find that music that gets and keeps you smiling in the coming weeks. Get some sleep, listen to some good music, and good luck with finals!