Listening to a song is generally an activity associated with a moment of leisure, perhaps to disconnect a little and take a pause. But the right tune can do much more: several researchers have investigated the role of music for concentration and discovered which can be a valuable support to improve mental focus.
Study, work or simply complete the Everyday tasks can become easier with the right piece of music: Let's find out what has emerged in scientific research.
The effect of music on the brain It affects different areas:
· The prefrontal cortex, responsible for higher cognitive functions such as attention and memory.
· The sensory cortex, which manages external stimuli.
· The hippocampus, involved in orientation and short- and long-term memory.
· The visual cortex, responsible for processing of visual information.
· The cerebellum, central to the control of movements, including those necessary to dance or play a instrument.
· The auditory cortex, specialized in processing and understanding sound stimuli.
· The nucleus accumbens and the amygdala, which play an important role in the emotional reactions related to stimulation Auditory.
Music also has the power to influence the system limbic system, which regulates emotions, helping to create a state of calm and concentration.
From a neurochemical point of view, music promotes the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that improves mood and motivation. At the same time, it can reduce cortisol levels, the stress hormone, promoting a more relaxed and receptive state of mind.
From the research of Schlaug (2001), professor of Neurology and Biomedical Engineering at the University of Massachusetts, it emerged that in music students the brain areas related to auditory analysis have acquired a larger volume.
Results confirmed by the neurologist's studies Pascual-Leone of 2006, in which it was discovered that the brain responds with a high speed of musical education: a few minutes of practice are enough to stimulate changes in the motor cortex.
Music is not always suitable for concentration. Traditionally, it is believed that there are genres that are more effective than others:
· Classical and Baroque music. The "Mozart Effect" is perhaps one of the most well-known phenomena. Listen to music compositions of Mozart, has been linked to improvements in cognitive skills and concentration. Music baroque, with its rhythms of 60 beats per minute, is known to promote the relaxation and focus.
· Ambient and binaural music. Ambient music, with its soft tones and without abrupt variations, creates A sound environment that helps eliminate distractions. Frequencies binaural, in particular, are designed to synchronize brain waves and promote states of high concentration and productivity.
· Music without words. For many people, words in music can be distracting. Music instrumental or electronic without lyrics helps keep the mind focused while working or studying.
However, a 2018 study by Srini Pillay, musician and neuroscientist at Harvard, has questioned these Certainties. Research has shown that there is no equal gender for everyone: to increase concentration, the ideal is family music, that is, the songs best known and appreciated by the individual.
If you're looking for a way to boost your ability to focus, You could integrate music into your work or study routine: it can become a valuable ally to improve your productivity and your mental well-being.
Remember that there is also another solution, which can easily coexist with your favorite songs: a can of S-Nap Shot. Functional concentration drink contains superfoods carefully selected in a perfectly balanced formulation, suitable for support brain activity by offering immediate energy for the mind.