I’m a big fan of soft rock music’s calming yet energetic melodies. The lyrics often explore deep themes such as grief, overcoming challenges, anxiety, healing from trauma, and other aspects of mental health.
Simply listening to music has many benefits for your body and mind, helping you live a long, healthy life. One of the most incredible ways it helps is by reducing anxiety. In college, you’re constantly bombarded with schoolwork, studying for tests and quizzes, and possibly internships or jobs. As you try to juggle all these responsibilities, listening to music can be a helpful way to lower your anxiety and cope with the stress of it all.
You might be asking yourself, “How can I find time to listen to music when I’m so busy?” I understand this dilemma. To solve it, I listen to soft rock on iHeartRadio while walking around campus. I especially love artists like Adele and Lewis Capaldi because their music is deep and contemplative. While walking, I enjoy observing people and wondering about their lives—like the girls walking to the frats. I sometimes think about whether they go to fit in, if they secretly dislike the scene, or how they perceive themselves when they’re in those social spaces.
I spend most of my days alone, except for the occasional small talk with people I barely know in the dining hall. Thinking about others helps me feel less lonely. Sometimes, I listen to music while getting my food. As I do, I observe the people around me and wonder why they choose to sit with certain groups—do they truly enjoy the company, or is it just convenient? I often sit alone and tell acquaintances something simple, like “I have a lot of homework,” and then ask my favorite question: “Did you finish your homework?” After that, I go get my food and let the music guide my thoughts.
All this thinking, supported by music, helps me calm my mind so I can focus better on my studies, my job, and my volunteer role. To concentrate, I need mental clarity, so I don’t become overwhelmed. This might apply to you too—because I know you also have many things on your mind, and sometimes those concerns can make it hard to perform your best in school or other responsibilities.
So, if you ever find a moment while walking or going about your day, consider listening to some music. It might help clear your mind so that when it’s time to focus, you can do so with greater clarity.