Music is a wonderful thing. It has the power to change your mood instantly. And it’s actually quite interesting to see how a specific sequence of sounds can have an effect on a human mind. Hence, there is no surprise that people like to listen to music frequently. Some are even subscribed to data packages of different providers such as Charter Spectrum just so they can enjoy music on the go. Also, many may not know this, but music helps a lot with creativity as well. It can make people think outside the box, motivating them to do better. Another thing which music can do is to increase your productivity. Yes, you read that right! But how is it possible? Well, read on to find out!
Music & Productivity: What’s the Science Behind It?
Music has a strong relation with productivity. And this finding is not new. People have believed in the power of music since the early 1900s. In 1909, John Wanamaker, a department store owner, had an organ placed in his shop. He used it to give his employees some morning boost. Then, during the early 1940s, a radio program called “Music While You Work” debuted, which used to air twice a day just to make the factory workers more productive. After that, a study was conducted in 1993. People were asked to listen to Mozart before attempting to do an IQ test. The research concluded that classical music enhanced test performance.
In 2005, another study was conducted. In this research, it was found that music helped system developers to do quality work and in less time. When the music was removed, the same developers took a bit longer to complete their task. Also, the quality wasn’t as high as before. Considering these few scenarios, it can be said for sure that music can improve the way you feel, helping you become more productive.
There’s Music for Everything
Your daily routine can be really hectic. Imagine all the work you have to do, whether preparing meals for your family or doing your job; everything will require maximum attention. But guess what? Music can help you do every task with focus.
1. Getting Out of Bed
Many will be able to relate to this. As easy as it sounds, it is certainly not easy for some to wake up early in the morning. And hitting the snooze button is what many do to get some extra sleep. But it’s something which you should not make a habit of doing. If you struggle to get out of bed, music has got your back! There are many “wake up” songs that can motivate you to get ready for the day as soon as your alarm starts to sound. Some of the perfect wake-up songs include Viva La Vida by Coldplay and On Top of the World by Imagine Dragons.
2. While Working
If you are working, your music must be a little different from what you usually listen to. You see, work requires focus. And songs that have lyrics will steal your attention, causing a distraction. This happens because a human brain is programmed to focus on lyrics. Another thing which you should do is to turn the volume down of the music you are listening to. Also, it shouldn’t be too upbeat. So, what should play? Well, try classical music. And if that’s not your thing, then try to listen to instrumentals. White noise and nature sounds will help too.
3. Doing Your Chores
If you are at home and completing your household tasks such as cooking or cleaning, it is recommended to turn on fun music. It should be the kind of music that can make you feel motivated and happy. If you have a workout playlist, it will help you do your chores better. You can even turn on upbeat music. Here, the lyrics are fine! So, if you want to listen to Sweet Home Alabama by Lynyrd Skynyrd while your chores, then turn the volume all the way up and have fun!
4. Going to Bed
A good night’s sleep is what you will need to wake up fresh tomorrow. But some people have problems going to sleep. There are different distractions and random thoughts which just don’t let the brain rest. However, music can be useful here as well. It is suggested to listen to music before going to bed. It will help you with your sleep. But what kind of music should you put on? Well, anything that’s around 60-80 BPM. You can listen to classical music. If not that, there are other famous songs that you can consider listening to, like Fix You by Coldplay and I See Fire by Ed Sheeran.
Conclusion
Music is indeed very powerful. It can have an impact on human emotions. With that said, it isn’t a bad idea if you keep a playlist that you can listen to whenever you require focus. You can have a playlist dedicated to different tasks like driving, bedtime, studying, or cooking. If you are using an app to enjoy music like Spotify, you will easily be able to make additions to your collection, which will add some variety to your playlist, making it special. You can then listen to it while doing important tasks.