How Background Music Can Influence Your Productivity
“Without music, our life would be a mistake” ― Friedrich Nietzsche.
So I have seen a rise in my productivity ever since I started working while listening to music. I shut my room, open the sunlit curtains and queue the music. One of the most influential music compositions that get me up in the morning to just dance is my alarm — “Golden Wind” OST from Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure. It boosts my creativity when writing and helps me to become focused on completing my tasks on time.
Whenever I experience an episode of fatigue — I flip it on to permit myself and my body to react to the tempo. Motivating me to get up, and just slowly dance to the beat. Eyes closed, as I slow hum to the beat and let my body flow to the rhythm. Music plays a very important role in my life — it is one of the many ways I motivate myself to get things done.
The intention behind it is nothing new. In reality, Music tends to enhance the psychological cognitive functions of the brain and permits an individual to become productive. It’s been claimed by a study referred to as “Mozart Effect” by researchers from the University of Golden State.
“The music is not in the notes, but in the silence between.” ― Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
In 1993, Rauscher et al. claimed that when being attentive to Mozart’s serious music for 2 pianos (K448) for ten minutes, normal subjects showed considerably additional reliable spatial reasoning skills than when periods of being attentive to relaxation directions designed to lower blood pressure or silence.
In Theory, that the Mozart Effect makes you smart is a myth but listening to it does make you productive.
Although most of of the results Rasuchser advised were later marked as bogus. As the further analysis in 1999 showed that a lot of of the improved performance came as a result of the music improving the mood of the targeted subjects thus permitting them to become productive. As listening to Mozart makes them happy and becoming happy helps increasing your productivity. Music has always been able to adjust the moods of people when used prolifically. Every person has a specific preference when it comes to listening to music. Some listen to classical to become productive, other’s listen to a more modern tone.
Another recent study that claims to improve work performance from a sample space of 56 systems engineers. The study measured the positive states of the data gained from 56 subjects (male=41, female=15). The following data was collected in the participants’ actual work environments over five weeks. Results showed positive state affect and increased work quality was lowest with no music. While on-time tasks were the longest when music was removed. They saw an improvement in work performance when employees listened to music in contrast to when they were doing without it.
Modern research recently conducted by Dr Emma Gray, a behavioural therapist who with the help of Spotify researched the benefits of certain types of music. The results of her study showed that musical tempo in the range of 50–80 beats per minute can help influence the alpha state in your brain. Your mind becomes relaxed, sharp, and attention is improved.
When we’re awake, we’re typically in a state of mind known as beta, a heightened state of alertness where our brain-wave activity is between 14 and 30 HZ. When our brain slows to a state between 7 and 14 HZ, we’re in a more relaxed alpha state of mind that allows us to be more receptive, open, and less critical. This state of mind is what experts associate with activities that involve our imagination, memory and intuition, including our enthralling “eureka moments.”
Putting these results into motion, research has shown that putting background cinematic music allows you to become highly motivated to accomplish tasks. Similarly adopting a behavioural perspective that mimics a role-playing game. For example, while writing you could listen to a piece of Cinematic music “Awaken” from the game of League of Legends.
“Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything.” ― Plato
Video game music is composed in a way that keeps you engaged as you perceive, navigate and often battle your way through these imaginary worlds. These musical compositions may be just the thing to propel you onward and keep you zooming through your tasks and daily to-do list.
As the musical composition along with your imagination can turn the demotivation state into an obstacle, that you need to pass to reach your goal. This goal can be any day to day task or activity you need to perform. Thus helping you to become productive in achieving it.
Just like in a game, you would be motivated to pass any hurdle in your way. Background music when implemented the right way, will allow you to become motivated increasing your productivity. Thus turn on your favourite music and open up your work. And get it done with the echoing fury of your mythical blade.
The Takeaway
Choosing the right music matters, when trying to motivate yourself to finish tasks. Research shows that when you tune your favourite music — It can help you become productive and focused. Irish Faerie music tends to calm the mind and adds a certain ambience that shifts your focus to the work you are assigned — allowing you to feel ease. Following are a few playlists, that you should try tuning in and let the music take you places.
Thus listening to your favourite music helps pass the time at work and it keeps people energized and motivated. Video game soundtracks are especially good at keeping up the motivation of the key player, especially when you have a playlist full of them — you can finish any task you put your mind to on time, with ease.
Peace, Thank you so much for reading! Stay Safe!
