Want Better Concentration? Try Instrumental Music!

In the present time, when our surroundings are full of distractions ranging from electronic devices to our own wandering thoughts, it’s a blessing to have good concentration. After all, it’s important to meet deadlines whether of work or school. But it’s not that easy, most of us are too caught up in daily scuffles to focus for good. But not to worry! Instrumental music is here to help you. Don’t believe us but that’s what the studies say.

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC FOR BETTER CONCENTRATION

There are several studies done on the subject of whether music is good for concentration and memories. It may have all started since the 1990’s when ‘Mozart Effect’ was all rage. Though now it has been established that it doesn’t have to be Mozart- different kinds of music are useful under different situations. A lot of studies present contradictory results but it is more or less established that classic instrumental music, nature music and video game music does affect our minds in a positive way albeit a bit differently. Classical instrumental music like that of Bach or Beethoven has a relaxing effect on our minds. It has no lyrics and the tempo remains pretty constant even with sudden turns and ups and downs. It not only relieves stress (reason why so many fall asleep while listening to it) but since both the left and right parts of our brain are active while listening to music, it results in better focus and memory.

Nature music which includes sounds like waves washing ashore or birds chirping is the same. It has a soothing effect on us since it is so different from the distracting and unpleasant sounds we hear all day in a city. The tiredness lessens and thus productivity increases. Video Games music though is specially designed to keep us constantly alert. You would remember that rush you felt while playing a fast-paced game and maybe you wouldn’t have paid attention to it- the background music playing alongside the scenes is a major factor behind that feeling.

Of course, some studies suggest that it doesn’t have anything to do with the music itself but the tempo of the song. A slow, mellow tempo and a fast-paced tempo do produce different effects after all. From personal example, when I have a lot of written work to do, I always put on instrumental music that has more beats per minute and more often not, find myself subconsciously matching the pace of the music- thus getting the work done faster too. When I have trouble sleeping, I put on a song that is slower and it does the trick. My personal favorites are Claire de Lune and Air on G-String.

THE BOTTOM LINE

Instrumental music whether it is classical, nature, meditation or even a video game and anime OST has tremendous effect on our minds. It not only relieves stress and anxiety but it activates both the sides of our brain simultaneously, positively affecting and boosting our memory and concentration.