Nowadays, balancing productivity and creative thinking is a challenge. From social media to the prevalence of smartphones and tablets, we are constantly surrounded by noise. Offices are full of people crammed together all working towards different goals in a confined space. Retail workers face constant sounds and noise throughout the day, making concentrating difficult. Similarly, anyone who has tried to study in a library knows how impossible it can be.
Allow me to usher in an effective tool for these situations – music.
I listen to music in almost every situation – even now as I write this post. I find it difficult to focus on the task without listening to something. This is the downside of being easily distracted! Jokes aside, music is a proven way to boost creativity and productivity. It can even improve customer experience!
Music stimulates your brain.
Some studies have found that listening to music can prevent cognitive decline. Music triggers a chain of complex brain activities that activate our working memory. Music can also help people who suffer from cognitive loss. Researchers believe there is potential for music to help Alzheimer’s and dementia patients. They see potential in aiding with memory loss and emotional regulation. However, there is not enough evidence yet.
It provides great inspiration and motivation.
Creative writing is one of my favourite things to do. It can be a wonderful outlet when the words flow and everything comes together. Other times, it can be a pain. One thing I enjoy doing is listening to music while writing. Not only does it help me focus, I get a lot of ideas. These can be from the lyrics or even a word within the song. Instrumental music provides me with clarity when I’m editing a long piece. This encourages me to keep going and fit things together nicely.
Music can improve your health.
There is some evidence showing that listening to certain music can reduce the number of epileptic seizures in sufferers. Studies show music is beneficial to people with chronic pain and leads to them using less pain relief.
And it can boost your mood and reduce stress.
Music increases blood flow to the limbic system, which includes the hippocampus and amygdala. This part of the brain stimulates our emotional response and allows us to form memories. Music allows people to express their emotions while reducing cortisol (the body’s stress hormone) levels. This can leave the listener with a sense of relaxation and contentment. Also, hearing music from the past fosters positive memories and emotions, which has an uplifting effect on mood.
Dopamine is one of the ‘feel-good’ hormones – it boosts mood and leaves a sense of satisfaction and pleasure. Music triggers the release of dopamine, which is why certain songs can cause euphoria or a ‘high’. Some evidence suggests that music can reduce anxiety and improve the quality of life for people with depression. Focusing on music can provide respite from everyday life and lower stress levels.
Tips on using music for productivity and creativity:
- Check the lyrics: Positive and uplifting lyrics can enhance motivation, while negative or distracting lyrics have the opposite effect.
- Choose the right time: this is especially helpful if you multitask or listen to music at work.
- Pick a suitable genre: Fast-paced music for workouts, or ambient, soothing music for relaxation or focus.
- Have the right equipment: Get decent earphones if you need to shut everything out (while being careful!) or invest in some speakers if you’re more into background noise.
- Be mindful of others: It is tempting to blast your favourite songs. Be considerate if you are in a public or shared environment.
Purplexed Science 
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