-Mood Swings

I was driving down the road singing loudly and obnoxiously when something dawned on me. I was so stressed out all day that day. I had so much work to do including homework, studying, cheer practice, and making eighty signs for the Varsity football players. Everything had to be done by the next day and I was freaking out about it throughout the day. Why such a relaxing yet sudden uproar of happiness during such a difficult time? Why was I so content when I was simply driving down the road listening to music?

"In general, responses to music are able to be observed. It has been proven that music influences humans both in good and bad ways. These effects are instant and long lasting. Music is thought to link all of the emotional, spiritual, and physical elements of the universe. Music can also be used to change a person's mood, and has been found to cause like physical responses in many people simultaneously. Music also has the ability to strengthen or weaken emotions from a particular event such as a funeral. "(Laurence O'Donnell)

Music affects your mood, it’s a fact we all know; common knowledge. Although, I never thought it could be that powerful. I always thought that people just listened to certain music when they were in that kind of mood. People listen to rock when they’re mad, pop when happy, classic when relaxing, country when sad, etc.  Nope, our bodies and minds react to the sounds, beats, voices, and rhythms that flow through our ear drums.

"Responses to music are easy to be detected in the human body. Classical music from the baroque period causes the heart beat and pulse rate to relax to the beat of the music. As the body becomes relaxed and alert, the mind is able to concentrate more easily. Furthermore, baroque music decreases blood pressure and enhances the ability to learn. Music affects the amplitude and frequency of brain waves, which can be measured by an electro-encephalogram. Music also affects breathing rate and electrical resistance of the skin. It has been observed to cause the pupils to dilate, increase blood pressure, and increase the heart rate. "(Laurence O'Donnell)

While in class or doing a project or something like that, I always have at least one headphone in. Come to think of it, the only time I’m not listening to music is in my sleep, while watching TV, or while reading some form of literature. I can focus on everything except for reading while listening to music. In fact, I am listening to music while writing this. The song “If Not, For Ourselves” by Woe Is Me. It makes me type faster, more focused, determined even. I just want to sing! Laaaaaa. I really didn’t know music was this powerful.