FEATURE:
Mood Music
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restrictions will be lifted so that we can do more things that we weren’t able to do. Among the restrictions being lifted is people being able to drink together outside. It has been a slog of a year or so for people living alongside the pandemic. I think one of the main sources of energy and positivity has been music. I have written about this before, but a study has come out that I had to mention. NME explains more:
“A new study has found that over a quarter of the British public listened to more music during lockdown, with many citing its benefits on their mental wellbeing.
According to data published by the BPI (British Recorded Music Industry), 28 per cent of those surveyed last November said that they played more music while isolating compared to in pre-COVID times.
Almost half (45 per cent) of those in the 16-24 age group said their listening had increased since the first coronavirus-enforced lockdown, which began in March 2020.
Everyone who took part in the survey was asked why they listened to more music throughout this period. The results found that 50 per cent said they turned to music to raise their spirits, while 42 per cent said it helped them sleep better or relax.
Almost everyone (94 per cent) reported that it lifted their mood. Meanwhile, 91 per cent said it offered them a sense of escape that allowed them to forget their personal problems.
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There are definite therapeutic benefits from listening to music. The percentages above make me wonder whether new people are turning to music; those who used to watch T.V. or find other forms of entertainment have now found music. Maybe it is a case of people in general have listened to music more than they would normally as it is providing a benefit. Television, literature and film are also good when it comes to lifting the mood, though I think there is something about music that impacts the mind and body like nothing else. Whether it is people rediscovering childhood favourites or going on a dive for new music, it is small wonder that vinyl sales have increased, and we are seeing this rise people turning to music. Things are getting a little better by the week, although we are still a way off of things being how they were. I don’t think that it is the case people will stop listening to music or we will see those figures levelling off when we are allowed out. Sure, we will not be at home as much; socialising will be normal, and many people might be back to work. I feel music is being devoured less because it provides a distraction and more as this emotional bond. Whilst the percentage of people listening to music to lift their mood may slope a little in the coming months, I feel music and its power has left an indelible mark on many people.
There is that sense of escapism that people have warned about in the past. What I mean is that sense of nostalgia you get when listening to music you heard as a child. We can escape in that because it takes us back to a better time, perhaps. In terms of escapism now, a lot of people are turning to music because the news is so grim and the state of the world is pretty shocking. I have trouble sleeping, so it is curious to learn that so many people use music to aid better sleep. Maybe I need to look into that. I assume the music being used to improve sleep is clam and not the same music people are listening to in order to lift their mood! As we emerge from lockdown, I feel like there will be a new appreciation for musicians and music in general. People are buying more vinyl, not only to support record shops but because there is this sense of the physical that we have been missing. Whilst I was not surprised by the article that showed how music has helped people during the pandemic, I felt that it was worth mentioning in a wider sense. Whether you have a mental illness, struggle to sleep or are feeling isolated, music of all kinds can definitely make an impression. It has been a challenging and tough time for us all. I am glad that music has been a source of energy and stability for a lot of people. I know there is music therapy. Some people are told to listen to music to help with conditions such as depression. Given the research that has come out, I wonder whether more people who live with psychological disorders and sleep issues will have musical therapy introduced into their life. As things are still quite bad, music is going to be a huge part of so many of our lives for a while. Sometimes escapism can be a bad thing but, when it comes to helping us all get through this endless pandemic, I think that it…
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IS a very good thing.