The COVID Funk: How music can help cope with the stress of the pandemic
Researchers believe that music can have a strong influence on the human brain (Unsplash)
With the COVID-19 pandemic lasting over a year, it is not surprising that many of us are feeling blue. We miss social life, face-to-face experiences and the outside world. But as a student body and family of the University of Maryland, we will make it through.
We often experience what I like to call ‘the COVID-Funk.’ The COVID-Funk is a mood that you get in when you lose motivation, feel tired or even start to feel blue. Luckily, there is a remedy.
A dose of music a day will keep the COVID-Funk away. Music has the power to change, enhance and dull your mood. We all have those days where we don’t feel like ourselves and with music, we have a choice. Because it’s okay to feel your emotions fully, music provides the opportunity for you to be content with your sadness. Music allows you to change your sadness to joy. It also has the potential to stimulate whatever feeling you have at the moment.
I found it important to discuss this topic with two music-loving women. Professor Laura Schnitker teaches World Popular Musics and Identity at the University of Maryland and has a degree in Ethnomusicology, which is the study of the music of non-Westernized cultures. Our conversation focused around is her use of psychedelic music.
“I remember feeling sort of lost, at least after the first lockdown and trying to figure out how I was going to do all of my work online and finding escapism in psychedelic music. So, it took my mind off things. It’s what it is designed for.” said Schnitker.
Many students believe that they are the only ones struggling, but it is important to remember teachers are also feeling the emotional, mental and physical impacts of the pandemic.
Sophomore theater major Jordan Embrack cited the social turmoil of the pandemic and how it has affected her learning style.
“With me being a theater major it’s a struggle because my major thrives on an interaction between people, so me not being able to get inspired from people face to face, or to get critiqued face to face has been hard,” Embrack said.
From the teacher and student perspective, it is clear that we all have our battles with COVID-Funk. It is important that each of you know that you are not alone. As we approach finals seasons, Schnitker believes the power of music can help relieve academic or mental stressors during difficult times.
“If you sit and listen actively to something you really like, it's gonna keep you from fretting about the past or worrying about the future. It just puts you in the now. That makes it a sort of a meditative practice which is super good for you,” Schnitker said.
Similarly, Embrack recounted the importance of being kind to your present self in times of sadness and remember you are not alone.
“Make sure you feel what you feel. Don’t put it on the back burner because a lot of people are going through the same things right now. You’re definitely not alone ... just keep up the hope,” said Embrack.
With these words in mind, I have created a list of song suggestions to help rid the COVID-Funk or any ‘spring semester blues.’ Remember that you are not alone, and these tough times will pass.
Playlist for Spring Semester Blues:
“A Change Is Gonna Come” by Anat Cohen
“BIGGER” by Beyonce
“Smile” by Valerie June
“I Need You” by Jon Batiste
“Never Would Have Made It” by Marvin Sapp
“Wake Up Everybody” by Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes
“If I Ain’t Got You” by Alicia Keys
“Pull Over” by Trina
“Chicken Noodle Soup” by DJ Webstar and Young B.
“My Power” by Beyonce
FLEXIN N’ FLASHIN by SimXSantana
“Dance My Pain Away” by Rod Lee
“Dance With Me” by 112
“Golden” by Jill Scott
“Before I Let Go” Frankie Beverly And Maze
“Be Alright” by Kehlani