(DegreeAdvisers.com) – Music is healthy. According to Healthline, music can have a variety of healthy effects on the mind and body. Some studies indicate that you can use the power of song to reduce anxiety, improve memory and even help ease pain.
The advantages of music are numerous — but did you know that some experts have found it can help you study? If you’re breaking out the textbooks in preparation for an upcoming exam, listening to your favorite soundtrack or a few songs on your playlist could be more helpful than many of us realize.
How Music Affects Your Study Routine
Music can be a great way to get yourself engaged while studying or working. If you’re a music lover and you have a hard time staying focused, turning on a speaker or putting in some earphones could help. By now, you’ve probably already heard that music can improve brain function, but does it really make a difference when you study?
The truth is it often depends on the person and situation. How much music truly helps with studying is a matter that’s still up for debate.
Maybe you’re the type of person who can easily let songs fade into the background while you work — but if you’re easily distracted, some types of music can make it difficult to focus. Have you ever tried to listen to your favorite rock ballads while studying? Chances are you were more tempted to jam out than get the work done. A recent study concluded that music can distract students during memorization tasks.
On the other hand, listening to mellow music or music without lyrics can sometimes be a strong motivator and attention-fixer. Song could help you study by:
- Allowing You to Relax: Research indicates that music can reduce anxiety, and some songs can even have an impact on your mood. If you’re feeling anxious or nervous while trying to study for an important exam, listening to the right type of music could help you relax.
- Improving Memory: While listening to music with lyrics while studying may not be the best way to boost your memorization skills, there are other studies indicating that listening to classical music has a different effect. One report from 2014 focused on the use of classical music to improve brain processing and recollection, and the results were promising.
- Improving Focus: Northcentral University indicates that some types of wordless music in the classical and meditation genre are believed to help improve focus. Concentration is essential while you work or study, so finding the right sound could benefit your routine.
It’s important to keep in mind that everyone is different, and some types of music may work better than others for your needs. You can try out a few strategies and see if a little background music improves your focus. With any luck, it could be the key to enhancing your study habits.
~Here’s to Your Success!
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