The concept that listening to music might boost productivity and cognitive performance is not new. One may recall the “Mozart Effect,” based on a 1993 study that found that listening to Mozart before completing the “spatial-temporal reasoning” component enhanced performance. This discovery sparked the entire industry of goods to transform youngsters into geniuses by exposing them to Mozart. But it turns out that the Mozart Effect was false.
Related: How Music Nostalgia Boosts Your Mental Health
A 1999 Nature research indicated that the reported improvement in cognitive tests was due to the enhanced mood caused by listening to Wolfgang Amadeus. That is, Mozart makes people happy, and being happy improves their performance. But most of us don’t prefer listening to any kind of music before work. We do this mostly when we sit for work to get in the zone. So what does science say about that?
Because of the ways it involves our bodies, music can affect us in ways that words do not. Music has been a very strong weapon, whether it’s about lifting our spirits, pushing us to exercise, or helping in the grief period. They have been the source of our communication since the origin of language.
As sound enters our ears, it is converted into electrical and chemical impulses. The list of effects that music has on the brain is seemingly endless. It has an impact on everything, from regions responsible for prediction, such as the frontal cortex, to areas involved in novelty, pleasure, and dopamine release. It also stimulates emotional and arousal regions, motivational systems, and memory-related structures.
Related: The Neurobiology of Music and Emotions
This illustrates how your emotions, recollections, and experiences may all join together to create a tune. Music is more than just entertainment; it can transport you to another mental state. So, how can we use it to benefit ourselves?
Where should you start?
Optimising your work environment is essentially a question of personal taste. If you discover that quiet works best for you, continue with that. However, whether you are easily distracted by what is going on around you or by your own thoughts, these methods are worth trying. Experimenting with each strategy on numerous occasions can help you determine what improves your attention and productivity.
There is no need to worry if you love listening to your favourite tunes or music with words. However, it may be prudent to add them before or after your work session, particularly if they are more cheerful. According to research, high-tempo music (140-160 beats per minute) might increase motivation and vitality.
The Science Behind Sounds for Focus
According to research, noise may affect concentration by changing the human brain. Sounds can promote cognitive function by reducing stress, supporting learning and memory formation, improving mood, and increasing motivation. Furthermore, noises can affect focus by providing unpleasant sensations or by influencing concentration and cognitive processing
The Impact of Audio on Human Focus
The National Centre for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) studied how listening to audio through headphones affects subjective attention levels. The study indicated that both natural and manufactured noises, such as wind and music, can affect attention levels. Now comes the important question: which music or noises might boost productivity and improve attention during work or study sessions?
40 Hz Binaural Beats
Binaural rhythms are the type of ambient music you’d usually hear in a yoga or meditation film. Binaural beats require delivering two slightly distinct frequencies to each ear, resulting in a perceived third frequency in the brain. In recent years, there has been an increase in interest in this topic, with multiple studies revealing gains in attention and working memory. One of these studies even referred to binaural beats as “non-invasive brain stimulation for enhancing training and learning.“
White and Brown Noise
White noise is the sound that the old television produces when it is not working. The relaxing sound of a waterfall is a classic example of natural white noise.
White noise is distinguished by its uniform sound across all frequencies. Its magic rests in its capacity to hide background disturbances, resulting in a consistent aural experience. Consider it a noise that is engaging enough to stimulate the brain without becoming overbearing. White noise can be too loud or abrasive for certain people, which is why there are many types of it, such as brown noise.
Brown noise mimics the repetitive sound of the ocean. It purposefully increases the volume of low frequencies while reducing the strength of high frequencies, resulting in a gentle and calming effect.
In addition, there is pink noise in the central ground. It has a gentler tone, similar to the sound of rain, which makes it less strong than white noise. Consider it a sanded-down form of white noise with slightly increased low frequencies. For our purposes, these variants – white, brown, pink (and others) – are all considered white noise variations.
Related: How Meditation Changes Your Brain
According to current studies, white noise fluctuations and 40Hz binaural beats outperform in terms of cognitive performance. These aural aids are especially useful for people who are easily distracted since they effectively mix out with surrounding noises and provide a favourable environment to concentrate. It is also used in between sessions and to “warm up” for hard cognitive tasks.
Instrumental music
If binaural beats and white noise have been shown to improve concentration, research suggests a different picture for instrumental music. Studies compared working in quiet to solely instrumental music, music with words, or one’s favourite music (with or without lyrics) have proven to have unexpected results. It proved that people perform their best cognitive activities in perfect silence.
Natural sounds
Natural noises, such as those heard in nature, can help improve concentration and productivity. Similarly, such as waterfalls or rain, have been demonstrated to lower stress and boost mood, leading to improved cognitive function.
In conclusion, music can have a significant impact on focus and productivity, but the effects depend on various factors, including individual preferences, the type of music being listened to, and the task being performed. By understanding these factors, individuals can create a playlist that fits their preferences and enhances their productivity and efficiency.
References +
- https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-75623-3
- https://abrilliantmind.blog/tuning-your-focus-with-music/
- https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-017-13383-3
- https://zapier.com/blog/music-and-productivity/
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