A Virtual Hug
Article and Playlist by: By Jeahnelle Garcia
Listen Here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5dWbEF1wI4sjaGle8wVbU0?si=U6jWc_8FRHmoSiYtLskNug&pi=u-RBQFahEsTSKg
“If you ever get lonely, you just go to the record store and visit your friends.”
- Penny Lane, Almost Famous (2000)
Many people find comfort in media, be it movies, books or music. For example, you may have a comfort movie or two. One of mine is the movie Almost Famous (2000), which is a very music-oriented movie. In the quote above, one character, Penny Lane, compares music to “friends”. Music can often “get you” in a way people can’t- that’s the beauty of it! Music is a language beyond just words, and sometimes that’s just what you need. No talking, nothing- just a hug. My playlist, “A Virtual Hug” is just that: music that will comfort you and “get you” in the way an old friend or parent might embrace you.
“Like the rock bears the weather,
Not a lot, just forever”
- Adrianne Lenkar, “not a lot, just forever”
Being hugged is good for you, physically, mentally and emotionally. It’s human. When you are hugged. When someone is hugged, the brain produces several neurochemicals such as endorphins and oxytocin. Endorphins give a sense of pleasure, reduce stress and improve a sense of well-being. It can also reduce pain. On the other hand, oxytocin can reduce anxiety and stress levels. It is also said to increase a feeling of connection, boost immunity and be good for heart health. So, overall, hugs are good for you. However, as seen in the recent pandemic, that isn’t always possible, or wanted, as some people just don’t like to be touched. Thus, music is the next best thing.
Like a hug, music can be beneficial in multiple ways- even physically. Music can also help manage pain as well as alleviate mood. This is dependent on the type of music, of course. The music you might listen to during a workout is typically not the music you would listen to when you need to relax. Music, being so versatile, will affect people differently. Nonetheless, listening to certain music can release endorphins and oxytocin, providing a similar sense of comfort, relaxation and connection as a hug.
“The stars are in your eyes
I’ll take a spaceship and try and go and find you”
- The West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band, “I Won’t Hurt
You”
Music is human connection. Our primary connection was taken away during the Covid-19 pandemic, and so, desperately, many of us turned to other means of connection. There were many times, both during the pandemic and now, that my friends and family members have been struggling. The worst thing is feeling helpless while your loved ones are going through something, and it isn’t always easy to talk about things. This is when I began making playlists similar to this one. It was a way to show my love and support for someone virtually and without words. As a result, I have many shared music-related memories with the people I love that I wouldn’t have otherwise. Truthfully, we don’t know when something may happen, like another pandemic. It is important for us as human beings to continue to support and connect with each other, whether that is through a physical hug or a virtual one. (Go hug your friends!)
“And I had a feeling that I belonged I had a feeling I could be someone”
- Tracy Chapman, “Fast Car”
The songs in this playlist are all songs that bring me and people I know comfort. Many have been on the playlists I previously mentioned and continue to appear on any that I make. All the songs quoted in this article can be found in the “A Virtual Hug” playlist. Whether you want to send this playlist to someone who needs it, or you are in need of it- this playlist is a good, long, 3 hour hug for anyone who needs it.
“Trying is the point of life, So don’t stop trying Promise me.”
- Amanda Palm
