SmileSpotlight: Amy Locks

Happiness research has shown that hobbies and what we get up to away from our work, has a huge influence on our mind and has a positive effect on our overall quality of life. Meet Amy. As a 21-year-old Birmingham University Chemistry Student, who is currently working at the pharmaceutical giant Pfizer, Amy tells us how music brings her happiness.

What does happiness mean to you?

To me, happiness is mostly about acceptance and appreciation for the current situation you’re in, at any stage in your life. It is the freedom from external pressures so you can be the best unique version of yourself, but coming from a positive mindset of wanting to and not feeling pressured to be someone you’re not.

What makes you happy?

Keeping myself busy with things to do but also having enough time to unwind, taking on new opportunities and experiences as it’s a great form of personal development, looking back and seeing how far I’ve come in all aspects of life, being surrounded by a lovely support network of friends, family, colleagues etc. Now that I’m having quite an intensive year working 8:30-5 then having to come home and learn university lectures I would have been learning each day as if I was still there, I also find exercise helps a lot as a stress release, especially recently focusing more on weights based exercise as it’s so satisfying being able to feel yourself getting stronger, leaner and lift heavier weights with more ease.

What is it about music that you enjoy? Not only does the actual playing relax me, but I love the mental challenge of learning a new piece and getting it to a performable standard. There’s so much proven research about how good playing music, especially classical, is for brain development, IQ etc. as it uses so many different parts of your brain! I also have loads of amazing memories associated with music; I’ve been able to travel and play in venues across the world like New York, Ireland, Shetland, Prague, Austria and Italy on music tours and have met wonderful friends - probably half of my friends are connected through music.

Why do you think music brings you happiness?

As well as all the memories I have associated with playing music, it has given me an appreciation for other talented musicians. Understanding what goes into the music and how much skill you actually need to play difficult repertoire makes you appreciate it a lot more. Although, it does also mean I can’t always just enjoy a piece of music without analysing it!

Do you have any regrets in life so far?

Yes! Comparing myself too much to other people, with different genetics from different upbringings and often different cultures progressing through life at different paces. No direct comparison can be fairly made between two people as we’re all different so it’s pointless and only makes you feel more negative about yourself - comparison is the thief of joy