While under academic stress and dealing with the uncertainty of the world, Lincoln students seem to be turning to the same stress-relieving practice as many other high schoolers across the country, listening to music. It is only natural that students would turn to music to relieve stress when even news sources such as CNN are saying “Spotify also surveyed US consumers and found two in five said, “they were listening to music to manage stress more than they typically do”. 

Though may seem there are more negative effects of music intake such as being distracted or the promotion of negative or unhealthy lifestyles, there are arguably more benefits. According to Northshore University Health System, “Music can improve mood, decrease pain and anxiety, and facilitate opportunities for emotional expression. Research suggests that music can benefit our physical and mental health in numerous ways”. 

During this pandemic, many people are looking for a way to ease their pain and anxiety and with music typically being accessible, it may be one of the best tools students can use in order to keep their mental health intact. There are many Lincoln students that can attest to this statement made such as junior, Genevieve Miller. When asked how music has helped her during the pandemic she said “For me, music is like a form of escapism, and not being able to see my friends have taken a toll on my mental health and music helps relieve that”.

The pandemic has brought pain and hardship to the lives of many but as it turns out something as simple as listening to music has the ability to greatly ease our stress and even help us out on the academic scale.

Ultimately, there’s not much to lose if parents allow an increase in music consumption in their children’s lives. “Music is found to help people perform better in high-pressure situations, such as the bi-annual high-pressure event that is finals week,” according to an article by Florida National University (FNU).