How Music Can Help You Study
Ever wonder why almost three-quarters of students wear headphones while studying? Well, you’re not alone. Studies show that 50% to 60% of students listen to music while studying. After all, the benefits of music are plentiful. And one of the most intriguing ones is its potential to aid your study sessions. But how exactly does it work? Turns out, certain types of music, like ambient tunes, could be your secret study weapon.
Intrigued to know more about how music can elevate your study game? If yes, dive into this blog to uncover the science behind this.
Music Helps Improve Concentration
We all know that staying focused for long periods can be a challenge. It happens especially when distractions are lurking around every corner. This is where music comes to the rescue.
Research suggests that certain types of music can help create a conducive study environment. These could be instrumental tracks or those with minimal lyrics.
One study published in the “Journal of Educational Psychology” found that students who listened to music while studying performed better on cognitive tasks compared to those who didn’t. This phenomenon, known as the “Mozart Effect,” suggests that listening to music, particularly classical compositions, could temporarily boost spatial-temporal reasoning.
But that’s not all! There are other benefits of learning music for adults.
Music Helps in Mood Regulation
Studying can be stressful, especially when you’re faced with challenging material or looming deadlines. However, music has the power to influence our mood and emotional state. Have you ever noticed how a cheerful melody can lift your spirits on a gloomy day? Similarly, the right kind of music can help alleviate stress and anxiety. This makes studying a more enjoyable experience.
Research conducted at McGill University suggests that listening to music activates the brain’s reward system. This helps in releasing dopamine and promoting feelings of pleasure and relaxation. This way, music can create a positive association with studying, making it easier to stay motivated and engaged for longer periods.
Tips For Listening to Music While Studying
Here are some tips if you’re thinking about listening to music during your study sessions.
Tip 1: Choose instrumental or ambient music. These genres can create a soothing background without distracting lyrics.
Tip 2: Opt for familiar tunes. Listening to music you already know can help prevent your brain from focusing too much on the lyrics.
Tip 3: Experiment with different volumes. Some students find low-volume music helpful for concentration, while others prefer a slightly louder sound to drown out external noise.
Tip 4: Create a designated study playlist. Curate a collection of songs specifically for studying to maintain consistency and avoid distractions.
Tip 5: Take breaks when needed. If you find yourself getting too absorbed in the music, take short breaks to reconsider your focus.
Final Thoughts
Overall, while the effectiveness of music as a study aid may vary from person to person, there’s no denying its potential benefits. Whether you’re looking to boost concentration, regulate your mood, or simply make studying more enjoyable, music can be a valuable tool in your academic arsenal. However, it’s essential to choose the right kind of music that suits your preferences and doesn’t become a distraction. So, the next time you hit the books, why not create a study playlist tailored to your needs? You might be surprised by the results.
References
- 2023. The Impact of Music on Students. The Texan Times. https://raytexantimes.com/2255/arts-entertainment/the-impact-of-music-on-students/
- 2023. Music that is used while studying and music that is used for sleep share similar musical features, genres, and subgroups. National Library of Medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10036617/
- 2019. Music Students Score Better in Math, Science, English Than Nonmusical Peers. American Psychological Association. https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2019/06/music-students-score-better
- 2019. Music Use for Mood Regulation. National Library of Medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6542982/
- 2011. Musical chills: why they give us thrills. McGill. https://www.mcgill.ca/newsroom/channels/news/musical-chills-why-they-give-us-thrills-170538
- 2023. How Music Can Help You Study. University of Maryland Global Campus. https://www.umgc.edu/blog/how-music-can-help-you-study
