‘Turn down the music! We’re studying here!’ How often do you hear this phrase? It so happened that music has always been associated with entertainment and fun. And thus, when it comes to studying, music is considered one of the major distractors that should be avoided. But that’s no longer the case, scientists say! The recent studies have revealed that it’s a common misconception that studying in silence is always beneficial to learners. Though most people are still convinced that silence is conducive to better retention of learned information and productivity, it’s possible to argue that music can turn you into a more academically successful person.
Some theory…
It has been found that some types of music activate both parts of human brain simultaneously and thus provide students with mental tools necessary for more effective learning. Music is not only conducive to relaxation but also can increase productivity. Scientists emphasize that spending long hours in silence in your dorm room is fact may hinder memorization process while listening to music, to the contrary, can improve memory and its consolidation. What did you say? Need to prepare a speech on firearms regulation but not sure whether you can remember all the essential facts? Rely on music! It will help your memory not to let you down at the most responsible moment.
Music relieves stress and elevates mood
It’s not a secret that a life of an average student is teeming with stresses. Young learners often need to juggle part time jobs and studies to earn their living, run multiple errands, and cope with tons of college assignments that seem to multiply but never end.
Students need deal with various stressors ranging from an essay about gun violence to constantly rising tuition fees. But luckily, there is a cheap way to reduce your stress levels. Should you feel your college life is being overwhelming and too hard on you, opt for soothing music that goes a long way in lowering blood pressure, heart rate, and anxiety levels. Be sure to skim your assigned readings and study your notes with nice music. It will help you combat stress, apathy, and procrastination which are commonplace in college life. It’s a good idea to put your favorite songs on before heading to a study session. Thus, you’ll be able to blow off some steam and hone in on your study goals.
Music helps you overcome test anxiety
Lots of students find themselves stressed out on the eve of the eve of finals or tests. Some students get so nervous that they lose sleep over it, cannot eat, drink, and concentrate on studies. Needless to say, such emotionally crippled individuals are incapable of learning successfully. To combat your irrational fears wear your earbuds and get so coveted portion of relaxation. Scientists say that music’s effects on anxiety levels are tantamount to those of a massage session. So why not take advantage of that? Nice music can lull you into blissful oblivion and reduce anxiety. You can even meditate while listening to your favorite tunes and thus shake off the remains of stress and set yourself up for successful learning.
Music can relieve pain
Intensive studies can give students not only solid knowledge but also headache, goosebumps, and bouts of stomach cramps. That’s when music therapy comes in handy. It is a scientifically proven fact that music eases pain, provided that the music you’re listening to is enjoyable and thus capable of creating a rewarding experience. Music is good at tapping not only into your soul but also your mind. It can make your brain produce more dopamine, involved in motivation, concentration, and reward, and thus reduce the perceived intensity of pain. Moreover, music can naturally increase the levels of another chemical, serotonin, which can lift your spirits and is likely to participate in inhibiting pain perception.
Are the above mentioned reasons not enough to start listening to music when studying? It’s up to you to decide!