Relaxing Music Can Improve Your Cognition: New Study Suggests

Relaxing Music Can Improve Your Cognition, New Study Suggests

A new study published in Scientific Reports found that listening to relaxing music can have the ability to improve cognition, according to ZME Science.

The study’s authors conducted their experiments on 12 participants, who were asked to complete cognitive tests under three different scenarios one where they listened to music, one where they listened to silence, and one where they did not listen to anything at all.

Each of the study’s participants also underwent MRI scans while completing their tasks.

How does background music affect cognition?

A new study has found that listening to relaxing music can improve cognitive performance. The study showed that participants who listened to relaxing music while completing a task had better results than those who did not listen to music.

Where does the effect come from?

Researchers believe that the cognitive benefits of listening to relaxing music come from the fact that it helps to reduce stress and anxiety. When we’re stressed, our brains are in a constant state of fight-or-flight, which can lead to decreased focus and poorer performance on tasks.

However, when we listen to calming music, our stress levels decrease and we’re able to focus more easily.

What does this mean for you?

If you’re looking for a way to improve your cognitive performance, it might be worth giving relaxing music a try. That’s according to a new study, which found that listening to relaxing music can help improve task performance and working memory.

Background noise vs background music

If you’ve ever tried to concentrate in a coffee shop or library, you know that background noise can be a serious productivity killer. But what about background music?

A new study suggests that listening to relaxing music can actually improve your cognitive performance.

What kind of music should you listen to?

According to the study, the benefits of listening to relaxing music are two-fold. Not only does it help improve cognitive performance, but it can also reduce stress and anxiety.

So what kind of music should you listen to? Anything that makes you feel calm and relaxed. This could be classical music, nature sounds, or even your favorite pop songs.

The takeaway

We all know how important it is to relax. But did you know that listening to relaxing music can actually improve your cognitive performance?

FAQs

-What kind of music is most effective?

First, classical music. It has long been hypothesized by researchers that listening to classical music can increase productivity. The “Composer Effect” hypothesis contends that exposure to classical music can increase brain activity and serve as a catalyst for enhancing health and wellbeing.

-Does the music have to be relaxing?

You can feel more upbeat and hopeful about life when listening to upbeat music. A slower cadence helps calm your thoughts and unwind your muscles, soothing you and allowing you to let go of the day’s stress. Music can help people unwind and manage their stress. These individualized musical experiences are supported by research.

-How long do I need to listen for?

The World Health Organization recommends that people limit their daily music listening to no more than 1 hour.

-Can I listen to any type of music I want?

You can learn distinct lessons about what it means to play in every musical genre. Check out these many genres to broaden your horizons and develop into a great singer!

-Is there a certain time of day that’s best to listen?

Recommended reading: How to conquer the causes of loneliness 

Read also: Listening to relaxing music can improve cognitive … – PsyPost