Finding Inspiration

Indira shares a written piece of how music inspires her and why finding something inspiration can help with our mental health and well-being.

- Indira Mackay

Music has always been a comfort for me. Music is enjoyable regardless of whether I am happy, sad, excited, and wanting to have a dance session, or want to be calm and focused.

Okay, I think you get my point now. Whether or not you find inspiration and comfort from music, I think that it is important to find something that you can always turn to no matter what mood or situation that you are in. You may find inspiration from the people around you, like close friends and family, or maybe you enjoy watching your favourite movie or TV programme, going on walks, or adventuring out into nature. Having something that you are passionate about, something that you can keep personal or share with others really helps.

In particular, music has helped me through the ups and downs in life. I am obsessed with Michael Jackson and Lana Del Rey. Very obsessed! Despite any negative things that people may say. Both their music is different yet inspiring in their own ways. Michael Jackson is a pop artist with upbeat tracks and plenty of iconic dance routines to dance along to when I was feeling good. Whereas Lana has sultry and slow vocals. Her lyrics are deeper, and they make me feel understood in a strange way when I was at my low points in life.

Some people may never understand why something inspires you or helps you but what matters the most is that it helps you and you will be the only person that fully understands why this specific thing brings you that peace of mind or inspiration. The most important aspect of your passion is that it works for you.

If you already know what inspires you, then that’s great! Keep it and use it. If you are still unsure, then take time to think of or even write a list of things that you love. Find something from those ideas or list – or a few things! - that can inspire you during the good and the bad times. This will give you a vital tool and once have this, you know that during any the difficult times with your mental health, as well as good times in life, there is something you can turn to that help your wellbeing and create that inspiration for you to allow to overcome any challenges.

For additional resources on managing your mental health during lockdown, please click here.

 

My name is Indira Mackay, and I am a 4th-year psychology student at the University of Stirling. As I'm working through my final months at university and trying to figure out what I want to do next, I think it is important to reflect and share my experiences with mental health as I want to help others that are going through life and university with any difficulties.