What’s Study Music? Well, It’s Music That Boosts Your Productivity!

Music has a big impact on people. From making celebrations more fun to listening to background music while driving to playing instruments, music often becomes a part of memories. In fact, some people even find that they study better when they listen to study music. So, is it true– does music help you study?

In this article, we’ll look at the many benefits of studying with music and uncover the link between music and memory. We will also share some tips for how to listen to study music and alternative types of sounds that you could benefit from playing while studying.

It’s time to turn up that sound and groove to the (study) music.

Source: Unsplash

Is Study Music Beneficial?

For some people, studying with music may feel distracting. For others, it helps them to focus better and stay motivated.

Ultimately, it’s based on individual preference, but there are benefits of studying while listening to music that helps you focus better. They include:

Improved mood

With some happy tunes playing, you may notice you feel immediately recharged. Having uplifting music playing in the background can shift your emotional state and make you more excited about studying.

Increased motivation

When you’re spending a lot of time reading material or trying to get through a study session, you may feel bogged down and tired. There is research that has shown music can activate reward centers in your brain the same way they are activated when you take part in activities you enjoy because of the release of dopamine So, when listening to music, you can become more motivated.

Pain management

Ever heard of music therapy? Sounds can help you physically relax and lower your blood pressure, which can reduce pain by easing muscle tension. If you’re in physical pain, you may be focused on those sensations rather than the materials you have to learn. With music, you can dull the pain and turn up the noise!

Improved memory

Music has an effect on memory. Researchers from Stanford used musical compositions from the 1800s and found that music activates the area in the brain that is responsible for paying attention, making predictions, and updating the event in memory. The study also found that this activity peaked in the moments of silence between the musical movements. You may even be able to spot instances of this in your personal life. Have you ever heard a song and immediately been taken back to a key memory in your life? In the same way, that scent can prompt memories, sound can have the same effect. When it comes to learning and retaining information for a test or the future, listening to music could be a useful technique to do so.

Ease stress

The University of Maryland Medical Center shared that students who listen to music can reduce their blood pressure and anxiety levels. Before you head into your next test, consider listening to some music and feel how your body responds. You may step into the test with less stress and anxiety.

What are the Best Music Genres for Studying?

If you’re a student who enjoys listening to music while studying, then you may be wondering what’s the best kind of music to listen to so you maximize the positive mental and physical effects.

A lot of people will point to the benefits of listening to classical music for studying. There’s the notion that music with at least 60 beats per minute can reduce stress and be relaxing. A few composers who are known for 60 beats-per-minute compositions include Bach, Handel, and Vivaldi. Since classical music doesn’t have lyrics, it can be a great genre to listen to while studying or reading because you won’t be inclined to sing along.

The same can be said about other music without lyrics. You can listen to instrumental versions of your favorite songs so that you can remain focused on your work.

Another genre to try is chill-out electronic music for deep concentration. For example, Brian Eno’s Music for Airports was specifically created to help reduce stress for travelers at airports. Whether you’re studying abroad or studying in the comfort of your own home, it could provide some great ambient background music.

Source: Unsplash

Tips for Listening to Study Music

The music you choose to listen to while studying versus music you listen to for fun or at a party will probably be different playlists.

If you have yet to find the right balance and sound for your studying endeavors, consider these best practices when turning up the tunes to learn to:

• Avoid experimental music (or music that changes abruptly)
• Keep the volume relatively low
• Choose music without lyrics

If you choose to play music through a free streaming service like YouTube or Spotify, you can discover music that you may have otherwise never known about. For example, when you play an album or artist that you like on Spotify, the platform will recommend and continue to play similar music. This way, you can find the perfect study music without having to try.

Additional Sounds to Consider While Studying

If study music isn’t doing it for you, then you can try other types of background noise to create a relaxing study environment.

A few sounds to consider may be:

• White noise
• Rain sounds
• Ocean waves
• Binaural beats
• Pink noise

The Bottom Line

Everyone has their own musical taste and method to get into their study zone. If you’re someone who enjoys study music, then you’re already on the path to reaping its benefits. If you’re trying study music for the first time, keep in mind the tips listed in this article to set yourself up for success.

You may begin to realize that the benefits of study music are real as you can reduce stress, increase motivation and focus, minimize pain, and enhance your ability to memorize.