We love music! From Beethoven to Beyoncé, we enjoy listening to everything from classical to country.
But why does music affect us so much?
In fact, it seems that every person has his or her own definition of what makes music special.
While some people say that music helps them relax after a long day at work, others describe music as their lifeblood.
No matter what your relationship with music is, you probably agree that certain songs bring back memories of happy times and sad moments.
But beyond just personal experiences, music also inspires people to take action.
Whether it’s a song that reminds someone to call their loved ones or a jam that gets everyone dancing, music plays a role in almost every aspect of our lives.
Music is everywhere, and it affects us in ways that we often don’t realize.
Here are some examples of how music influences us.
What is it about music that motivates us?
Music has been around since the dawn of man.
As humans, we have been creating sounds, singing songs, and playing instruments ever since.
We enjoy listening to music, whether it’s our favorite song or just something relaxing after a long day.
The thing is, why does music motivate us?
There are many theories out there, but I wanted to take a look at what science actually knows about music and how it affects our brains.
According to research conducted at Charles Sturt University, listening to music causes the brain to release dopamine.
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that helps us feel happy.
This hormone works specifically to motivate people to achieve their goals.
Music also helps stimulate your motivation.
Music could help you work harder and faster than if you weren’t listening to any music.
Music has such an enormous effect on the brain that even professional athletes have been known to stop playing music during games.
During a race, athletes cannot listen to their favorite songs because music has been known for helping them run faster.
A sports psychologist, Professor Karageorghis has even called it an “athletic performance enhancer”.
He says that “music distracts people from their fatigue and pain, increases their endurance, boosts their mood, and even increases their metabolic efficiency.”
Each of these potential positive effects of listening to music during physical activity is a good thing, but they could give athletes an advantage during competition.
That is why professional sporting events like track and field have prohibited athletes from listening to music during events.
Cheerleaders and gymnasts actually use music for their performances.
The music helps performers remember their steps, while at the same time motivating crowds.
How does music improve us?
Inspire Us to Learn something new
From learning foreign languages to studying history, music can inspire us to learn something new.
When you listen to a song, you automatically begin thinking about things that relate to that particular topic.
If you want to motivate yourself to study, try playing music that makes you feel excited.
Relieve Stress
We all have stressful days, and sometimes we need a break.
Luckily, music provides the perfect outlet. Studies show that listening to music decreases stress levels by 10 percent.
Plus, researchers discovered that people who listened to soothing music had lower blood pressure than those who didn’t.
The reason behind this phenomenon isn’t completely understood, but experts believe that the relaxing effects of music cause a release of endorphins in the brain, which causes us to feel better.
So whenever you feel stressed out, turn on some tunes and let go.
Help Us Focus
Another benefit of music is that it keeps us focused throughout the day.
Researchers found that people who listened to instrumental music performed better on tests related to attention than those who didn’t.
However, these results weren’t consistent across all musical genres, so it’s important to differentiate between them.
For example, research shows that people perform better on memory tests when listening to rap than pop.
Best types of music to play during work or study?
Let’s face it.
Even though we’re university students, motivation to learn doesn’t always come naturally.
Some days we just need some help to get into the study zone.
Let the music begin!
Many university students blast their latest jams to get into the studying mood.
Think funky beats, inspiring lyrics, and a bass beat that even your grandmother wouldn’t mind tapping her foot to!
Like we said before, music can improve your motivation because it can cause the brain to release dopamine which works to regulate motivation and goal-oriented behavior.
Have you ever seen athletes with their headphones plugged into their ears before a race?
They’re geared up with determination and a frame of mind to achieve their goals.
So, what are some songs that college students play to motivate themselves to study?
A recent post on social media revealed a large variety of songs and genres that college students, just like you (and me), enjoy listening to before they start studying.
Are you interested in some new music to help you get into the mood for studying?
Listen to your peers’ favorite songs listed below on Spotify.
