New York, NY (Top40 Charts) Sound is all around us, from cars hooting in traffic, water flowing down a creek, typing on your keyboard, etc. However, these different sounds around us can be purposefully organized to create harmony, i.e., music. Music is often characterized as a form of art that has a sound as the medium to convey an array of feelings, experiences, information, emotions, etc.
Understandably, you have listened to various types of music at least once in your life. You will realize that each category of music brought about a different reaction. For instance, it is relaxing, calming down, motivation, etc. in addition to these rather common benefits of music, research has shown that listening to music has the potential to improve both our physical and mental health.
Today, there is a wide array of devices one can use to listen to music, in addition to the collection of various songs online. As such, a large number of students have taken advantage of the readily available songs for multiple tasks ranging from having fun to studying. It is evident from the many students visiting study halls with headphones on.
It is a practice shared by many students worldwide as they believe it helps them concentrate on their studies. For instance, when reading for an essay writing exam, you could listen to some relaxing music. It will help you avoid outside distractions while staying focused on the task at hand.
Nonetheless, it's understandable that you might be a bit skeptical about the idea that music can help improve your academic performance. Below are some reasons why you should try listening to music while studying. They include:
- It provides an escape from the hassles of classwork
Depending on the genre of music you prefer, there is no refuting that life in school would be much gloomier without music. It is mainly because it causes the release of dopamine. It is a chemical that allows you to feel relaxed and happier. In turn, it ensures you are well-rested and ready for the next learning session.
- Exercises your brain
There are various ways you can keep your brain sharp, i.e., reading, playing board games, solving puzzles, etc. However, listening to music is perhaps the most fitting exercise. As such, you prepare your brain for more challenging tasks. Besides, you are less likely to fall victim to diseases such as dementia or Alzheimer's.
- Improves your creativity
Though the 'Mozart Effect' is not widely accepted, there are some positive results that arise from listening to classical music while studying, such as improved reasoning capacity and creativity.
- Helps relieve anxiety
Most students often suffer from anxiety, stress, or both of these mental illnesses, citing studying as the cause. Owing to the pressure and workload students have to bear, it comes as no surprise. For students to be able to identify, manage, and better deal with such conditions, listening to music is advised.
- Improves memory retention capacity
A large number of students are likely to find it easier to memorize a song's lyrics compared to chemical elements in the periodic table. It is because the brain searches for the best way to comprehend, remember, and process information, which is easier with repetitive patterns found in songs.
- Helps manage stress
When in college or university, you have a lot of freedom and responsibilities. As such, you have to properly manage your time to satisfy all aspects of your college life, which can be a stressful time. Music can help deal with this stress and strengthens their will to continue learning.
As a student, music can offer you a chance to relieve stress, lower your anxiety, increase your mental capacity, etc. without leaving your room. Besides, students claim to stay focused more when listening to music compared to when distracted by various ambient noises. However, music can also prove to be counterproductive and act as a distraction.
Besides, music might lower your overall productivity as your mind is likely to tie between interpreting the song and focusing on your studies. As such, focus on the less distracting elements of music such as music with no lyrics to increase the benefits enjoyed from listening to music.
Though music has the potential to reduce your productivity, it is entirely up to you to choose the best and most relaxing music. On the contrary, it can also be used to help you stay focused on the task at hand and maintain the momentum. Take the time to listen to music, and you, too, can enjoy the benefits.
