Music is a huge part of our daily lives, having the ability to lift us up or even drag us down with our emotions. Some people say that listening to music whilst working can boost the enthusiasm and determination to work but why is this?
Music can improve motivation – Music can spark inspiration and spur you on for the challenge ahead. When we anticipate and then actually experience a pleasurable response while listening to music, our brains release Dopamine, the ‘feel good' chemical. Whether it’s Eye of the Tiger, Ain’t no Mountain Enough or Walking on Sunshine, whatever your preference, music can help you to prepare for the long list of tasks in front of you.
Music can help you focus – This all depends on the type of work that you are performing because listening to music ultimately means that you are multi-tasking. Music is great for repetitive tasks that require focus but little higher level cognition but not so good for those tasks that require higher level thinking including reading comprehension and memorisation. Interestingly, introverts are more easily distracted by music than extraverts. Lyrics can break focus as our brains are tuned to pick up words so perhaps choose songs with no words, maybe even try whale sounds?
To find out more on this, check out this great infographic.
All in all, music can affect you in different ways and you need to be smart with your playlists. Music can bring great motivation but sometimes, it may be best to just stay in silence.
What music helps you to prepare for the day ahead and helps improve productivity whilst at work?
Are you looking to motivate your employees and increase productivity? Why not run a Corporate Wellness Lunch and Learn Session? We also run Lunch and Learns Online.