Music is a universal art that is appreciated by people from all walks of life. The genre and style may vary, but it is music all the same, and a central factor in many cultures. It constitutes an intricate part of daily human life. Whether in times of celebration or just in the routines of life, music plays an important part in making life meaningful.
Music At Work
It is said that people in ancient cultures had songs they would sing as they worked. These songs would be passed from one generation to the next as the people went about their daily activities. In a sense, they made work “easier”. Not as machines do, but it would help reduce the sense of difficulty associated with manual work.
It isn’t much different today as it is quite common for people to turn on the music while in the office. However, it is important that you know which type of music to listen to so it doesn’t end up being counter-productive.
If you are at work and need to learn something new, here’s what you need to know about music:
Learning requires your brain to analyze and remember instructions and facts. When music is on, however, your brain has to process auditory data on top of processing the instructions and facts. Because of this multitasking, the brain can interpret the instructions and facts improperly, either associating them in odd ways or making mistakes about what’s important enough to store. Thus, if you have to learn something at work, it’s best to turn off your music, especially if you’re learning verbally or through reading and the music has lyrics. Via Inc
If you find that your workstation is a bit noisy, then you may want to turn on your music to reduce the distractions. Here’s what noise does to you:
It also increases levels of the stress-hormone cortisol and decreases levels of dopamine. Those hormonal changes negatively affect the prefrontal cortex, hindering executive function. In this scenario, listening to music can actually help, because it blocks out the other excessive input that could overwhelm you and keeps you calm. Via Inc
For work that is generally routine in nature, music can add the flavor that you so need. This is what the reports say:
Various studies have indicated that, in general, people who listened to music while they worked on repetitive tasks performed faster and made fewer errors. Via Inc
Music for Relaxation
Many people consciously or unconsciously relax when they put on some soothing music. If you are wondering how music actually makes people relax, it starts with the physical effect of music on the body, as explained in the post below:
Music can promote relaxation of tense muscles, enabling you to easily release some of the tension you carry from a stressful day (or week). When you relax your muscles and loosen your body, your mind also relaxes, which can help you to reduce plenty of tension and stress that you may not have realized you were carrying. Via Very Well
It goes on to be a welcome accompaniment in activities that relieve stress, which is as varied as people are:
..help dissolve the stress when you’re soaking in the tub, and be a helpful part of many other stress relief activities. It can take an effective stress reliever and make it even more effective Via Very Well
Another way of getting rid of stress is by getting your attention off the stress factors and becoming more positive in your outlook on life. Good music can help you do this:
Music, especially upbeat tunes, can take your mind off what stresses you, and help you feel more optimistic and positive. This helps release stress and can even help you keep from getting as stressed over life’s little frustrations in the future. Via Very Well
Music In Security
You must be wondering how music can help with security issues. Well, reports say that a certain type of music is helping to keep away wild animals in some parts of the world. The following post tells an interesting Indian story:
So, wild boars have wreaked such havoc in Uttarakhand’s agricultural fields that the government has been forced to declare them pests and sanction their culling. That hasn’t helped much though, as the beasts are as strong as they are evasive. Farmers have now had a brainwave — and it seems to be working. They have put up loudspeakers that play the latest songs of Yo Yo Honey Singh and other Punjabi singers at full blast and that quite often enough to drive away not just the boars but other wild animals too! Via India Times
Conclusion
Music is a great part of life, both in working and relaxing, and more discoveries are being made on how it can be used to add value to our lives. Don’t take music for granted – enjoy it to the fullest!
Featured Image: Image Credit
Old, but this is why I stan Mac so hard. He uses his voice and place in the music industry to speak about things that matter….never forget pic.twitter.com/wknznSXpqe
— CXSTILLO?? (@Gavin_Unknown) October 26, 2016
When you use fast music 954 for your government class ? pic.twitter.com/cmZBDpXYEc
— Marquan RutherfordⓂ️ (@lamronmdai12) October 25, 2016
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