Sure, we all love to put our headphones on and listen to our favorite jams, but have you ever thought about why? Music is not just entertainment for getting down on the dance floor or belting out your favorite karaoke tunes, it actually has quite an affect on your brain. In fact, listening to music has been shown in studies to decrease anxiety, decrease pain, boost the mood, and help you focus better.
Playing classical music is believed to be particularly effective. Specifically, listening to Mozart, known as “The Mozart Effect,” has been lauded as a way to increase brain function, literacy skills, emotional intelligence, and mathematical abilities. Though, other studies have shown listening to any music you enjoy can have the same affect. Research at Stanford University found that music “forces the brain to pay attention” and activates parts of the brain associated with focus, memory, and decision making.
You’ll also find your favorite music boosts your creativity. Music stimulates the production of alpha and theta waves (responsible for dreaming, relaxing and learning) in the brain, enhancing creativity and activating visualization and artistic qualities.
So, next time your boss tells you to take out your headphones, tell them you’re just improving your productivity and creativity. 😉
Want to learn more about how music affects your brain? Check out the infographic below:
Sources
Baker, Mitzi. Music Moves Brain to Pay Attention, Stanford Study Finds. Aug. 1 2007. Stanford University School of Medicine. Oct. 26 2015. Web.
https://med.stanford.edu/news/all-news/2007/07/music-moves-brain-to-pay-attention-stanford-study-finds.html
