Lacking motivation during your late-night library visits? When it comes to studying, playlists can be a powerhouse of productivity. Studying can sometimes feel tedious and long-winded, so having music to give you that extra boost can help you enjoy the process and get the most out of your sessions. Integrating different playlists into your routine can also help mix up your studies and ensure you stay engaged and on track.
It’s no secret that listening to music in general makes us feel different, whether that’s relaxed, empowered or creative, so using this to your advantage and applying it to your studies can make a world of difference.
In this blog, we’ll dive deep into the importance of music for studying and how you can implement this into your schedule and improve your overall student experience.
The effect of music on productivity/concentration
The power of music can be shown through music therapy, which has shown incredible effectiveness in various areas of health. It's a form of expressive therapy that can aid in emotional, cognitive, and social development, as well as in managing stress and pain.
The benefits of music are endless, but here are just some of the ways it can be a great study tool:
Enhancing Mood
Music has the ability to uplift mood and reduce stress, creating a positive mental state that can improve focus.
Blocking Distractions
In noisy environments, such as coffee shops or social study spaces, music can act as a buffer against external distractions, allowing improved concentration.
Triggering Memories
Familiar music or songs can evoke positive memories or associations, improving mood and subsequently aiding concentration.
What music is best for studying?
Certain music genres or tempos, like classical or ambient music, with a steady rhythm, can promote a state of relaxed alertness, aiding in concentration. However, it's important to note that people have different musical preferences, so finding the right type of music that matches your taste is key.
Figuring out the most effective study music for you may take a bit of trial and error, but a general rule of thumb is to mostly stick to tracks with little or no vocals as they can cause distractions.
Opting for slow, instrumental music and keeping the volume low is crucial as you want your studies to be enhanced, not overpowered. It's also important to avoid ads and songs you have an emotional connection with when choosing your ideal playlist, as this can disrupt your concentration.
Lo-fi music has gained a huge amount of popularity in recent years. The term comes from ‘low fidelity’ but it encompasses several other genres such as jazz, hip-hop and dream pop. Lo-fi beats are generally smooth and calm with little or no vocals, making them a great accompaniment to your studies.
Do you ever just want to mentally transport yourself to the summit of a mountain? Well, ambient music can do just that. It can be a fantastic choice for studying as it creates a soothing environment without being too distracting due to its atmospheric, immersive characteristics.
Alpha waves music is specifically designed to induce alpha brainwave activity, which promotes a calm yet focused mindset, cool right?
These tracks generally involve soothing sounds, gentle rhythms and ambient melodies, helping to improve mental clarity, making them a soothing study sensation!
Although it may not be something you’d listen to in everyday life, classical music is one of the most widely listened to genres when it comes to studying as it creates a relaxed atmosphere.
Remember, finding the right music for studying is personal. Experiment with different composers, pieces, and even genres within classical music to see what helps you focus the most!
Looking for something smooth like your morning coffee? Jazz can be an excellent choice for studying as its rhythmic patterns and soothing melodies often create a conducive environment for focus.
It has been proven that the happier your brain is, the more likely it is to absorb information, making jazz’s harmonic and playful nature a great study soundtrack.
Conclusion
Experimenting with different types of music and observing personal reactions while working can help you assess whether music aids or hinders your productivity and concentration.
If you’re a headphones on, head down, and study person you can take advantage of the many study spaces at your Novel residence, such as the lounge and private study areas at our student flats in Coventry. If you prefer to listen out loud, no worries! Your spacious room is a great place to knuckle down and work.
Some might prefer instrumental music, while others find songs with lyrics distracting. It’s also important to note that music may not always have a positive effect on your productivity, so remember to monitor the effect it has on you. Ultimately, finding the right balance between music and focus is key to utilising its potential benefits, happy studying!