Like many college students, I suffer from occasional bouts of anxiety, but I’ve learned a few coping strategies over the years. My biggest saving grace has been music, specifically the artists Kaleo and Hozier. If you’re not familiar with them, I’m giving you the best homework assignment you’ll ever get: go listen to them right now!
Kaleo is an Icelandic band that shot to stardom with their cover of “Vor í Vaglaskógi”, a song that’s been popular in Iceland since 1966. Some of their other hits include “Way Down We Go”, “No Good”, and, my personal favorites, “All the Pretty Girls” and “I Want More”.
Hozier is an Irish musician that became known in the United States for his song “Take Me to Church”. However, the songs that resonate with me the most are “Almost (Sweet Music)” and “From Eden”.
In my opinion, music is made to be interpreted in a million different ways by a million different people. If someone asked me what I thought these songs meant, I couldn’t give a real answer, and even if I could, the answer would change at least a thousand times. What I can tell you, however, is how these songs make me feel. This music radiates happiness, excitement, and love (even if it’s bittersweet). Most importantly, these songs make me feel peaceful, happy, and content. In other words, they ease my worries when other things can’t.
We all need to find something that makes us feel good– whether it’s something as simple as a song or something completely different like going on a crazy adventure with friends. Listening to these artists works for me, but even if you need another method to soothe your anxieties, I hope you at least found some great new music!