Here at NDB, students and staffulty alike find solace and support through music. As stress from academic pressures and extracurricular commitments accumulates, many turn to music as a means of coping and emotional expression. Music’s role in enhancing well-being extends beyond simple enjoyment, playing a crucial part in managing stress and sustaining motivation.
Junior Ella Oldendorp highlights music’s impact on her running. “Music makes me motivated and keeps me happy while running,” she explains.
Her experience underscores music’s power as a motivator, helping students stay energized and positive during workouts. Music’s ability to uplift and energize reflects its broader role in maintaining a balanced and positive mindset, especially during physically demanding activities.
Beyond its influence on physical performance, music significantly affects emotional states and mental health. For many students, music serves as more than just background noise; it becomes a crucial tool for managing stress and regulating emotions
“When I listen to music that matches my mood, it sort of enhances the feeling, but when I listen to something that contrasts with my mood, my mood changes a bit,” expresses sophomore Sofia Shamieh.
This dual effect of music — either amplifying or altering emotions — demonstrates its integral role in emotional well-being. Music can provide comfort during tough times or shift one’s mood, making it an essential component of emotional health.
World Language Department Chair Anna Gavidia also relies on music to manage stress and maintain balance throughout her day.
“Music can change your mood in less than two stanzas of the song, or the rhythm. I can be cranky and, if I play good music, I force myself to sing along and then it just brings you up. Music is amazing,” said Gavidia.
The therapeutic benefits of music are not limited to personal enjoyment but extend to academic and social contexts as well.
At NDB, music helps students navigate the pressures of school and extracurricular activities, fostering resilience and emotional stability. Whether through a workout playlist’s rhythm or a favorite song’s soothing melodies, music provides a crucial outlet for managing stress and enhancing overall well-being.
“Find music that makes you happy. If you’re trying to improve your mental health, you want to come out of that hole, not go deeper. Music has a real impact on your brain and mood,” added Gavidia.
Overall, the NDB community’s engagement with music sheds light on its importance as a tool for emotional health. From uplifting melodies to energizing beats, music supports students and staffulty in maintaining resilience and inner strength.
NDB students can access music as audience members or even participate in Tri-School Productions, a theatrical collaboration between Mercy HS in Burlingame, NDB and Serra HS. Of its two annual productions, the spring play is a musical. Last year’s was “The Addams Family.”
As the academic year progresses and challenges arise, the therapeutic power of music remains a vital component in navigating daily life and fostering emotional well-being.
Whether it is coming from the speakers at assemblies, headphones in the classroom, or while completing homework, its importance and calming effects can be felt by all those who listen.
Through its ability to uplift spirits, manage stress and provide solace, music proves to be an invaluable resource for the NDB community, contributing to a healthier and more balanced approach to both academic and personal challenges.
