The Benefits of Music while Studying and Working on Homework
By KATHLEEN BENNETT
Many teens listen to music while studying, and this raises a very important question: does listening to music while studying help teens or harm them?
The answers to this question vary, as each individual person will experience different results when listening to music, but multiple sources and studies find the overall effects of music to be beneficial to teens.
According to Markham Heid of Time, “Studies have shown that music can buoy off your mood and fend off depression.” This is extremely important due to the fact that teens are often extremely stressed, coupled with the ever rising rate of teen depression as well. Listening to music obviously won't end depression nor put a rest to stress, but it will allow for a mental break that can be extremely beneficial to those who need to focus.
The aforementioned evidence is also supported by Kendall Deflin, author of the article, “10 Positive Benefits Of Listening To Music, According to Science.” She states, “This might seem obvious, but the natural chemical reasoning is pretty incredible to think about. If you are ever in need of an emotional boost, let it be known that it only takes 15 minutes of listening to your favorite tunes to get a natural high. This is because your brain releases dopamine, a neurotransmitter that leads to increased feelings of happiness, excitement, and joy, when you listen to music you like.”
Because listening to music can increase happiness levels, it tends to motivate people. Motivation is key when trying to complete a task, and even having a small bit of motivation can be enough for people to accomplish a task once considered burdensome.
It is very common for emotions to get in the way of progress, especially for teens. When stressed or anxious, it can be extremely difficult to complete work because the mindset is focused on negative rather than positive.
When students force themselves to complete an objective when in a negative mindset, it can lead to an even larger buildup in stress and anxiety that is difficult to overcome. Listening to music can provide the needed mental break and allow for teens to become more goal-oriented, while easing stress; in turn, this will also create a positive impact on mental health.
One of the leading problems in the 21st century is declining mental health in both teens and adults. Although music may not seem like it is a life changer, as long as it combats said problem, it should be regarded as important.
Music is also beneficial in the sense that it brings people together. People who suffer from social anxiety can connect to others who share their taste in music, hence why many bands have merchandise, “merch.” The merch isn't only to promote the band, but it allows others to view what music they listen to and have a common interest. Whether the style of music is alternative, rap, classical, or pop, music can provide the escape that teens and adults alike long for, as well as provide social connections to those who share common interests.
Works Cited
Deflin, Kendall. “10 Positive Benefits of Listening to Music, According to Science.” Live for Live Music, 17 Feb. 2016, https://liveforlivemusic.com/features/10-positive-benefits-of-listening-to-music-according-to-science/.
Heid, Markham. “You Asked: Is Listening to Music Good For Your Health?” Times, 26 Apr. 2018, https://time.com/5254381/listening-to-music-health-benefits/.