You know what they say: being a student in November is one of the greatest tests on this God-given earth. The maybe five hours of sunlight we get during the day are not helping the seasonal depression—it’s alive and well.
Usually, around this time, I like to really delve into the feeling and just let myself rot from the inside out by listening to Radiohead, Mitski, and Adrianne Lenker (thought daughter music exclusively). And hey, I’m the first person who knows how good it feels to listen to their music and feel seen AF… ✋😐🤚 I’m just saying I stay down in the dumps for a while…
When pondering my woes about this, my genius teammates (shoutout Blue and Nimrat) said, “Mia, have you tried listening to happy music?”
When I tell you I was shocked all the way down because they really clocked me with that one…
After a midday dance party, I walked away feeling rejuvenated, and I started taking this seriously. What would happen if I listened to happier music?
I read this quotation previously published by the Stanford Report saying, “Scientific evidence suggests that music and other rhythmic stimuli can alter mental states in predictable ways and even heal damaged brains.” I’m here to report (with absolutely zero academically credible scientific research on my part) that this is entirely true.
Defining happy music
For this “experiment,” I defined happy music as upbeat and lyrically uplifting, an overall positive feeling based on the Western ideas of what happier music sounds like.
Honestly, for me, it tends to be either 2000s club bangers or glitter gel pen music.
The mission
I needed some inspiration. So, I got out of my self-isolation mode to ask YOU, the students of UBCO, what music makes you happy?
Through the suggestions, we curated a playlist together to fight the winter blues this year!!!
Here are some of the BANGERS I added for a guaranteed mood booster:
Brown Eyes by Destiny’s Child
Juno by Sabrina Carpenter
Dream Girl by Kolohe Kai
Best Love Song by T-Pain
My findings
Honestly y’all, I’m not even trying to be all toxic positivity on you, but it’s so true. I find myself having more energy. If I could paint a picture of this for you, my tank feels a bit fuller.
I ask myself: why am I trippin’ over things that will pass eventually? Like, is the stress still there? Yes, of course, but it feels much more manageable, and life feels more fun when there’s room for play. I’m reminded that I’m literally in my early 20s… I don’t have to feel so serious about everything.
I encourage you guys to try it!
Listen to the UBCO Student Life curated happy playlist and let us know what your happy songs are!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Mia Mendoza is a transfer student in her third year of the Media Studies program and loves telling stories. She really enjoys personality tests, anything to do with pop culture, and trying new foods! Her favourite thing to do in Kelowna is taking long walks on the beach and buying overpriced coffee <3
No because describing music as “glitter gel pen” vibes is SOOOO true. I adored this blog and the music suggestions go so hard (like ok I see you Destiny’s Child and T-Pain hehe)