Music While You Work.

Turn on your radio and work better!

When I was a child I was often chastised for playing music while studying. My defence was always a plaintive ’It helps me work better’, and, I might have added, blocks out the noise of my two younger brothers!

It was with great pleasure that I later found out that there is scientific evidence to back up my claim of working better with music! (Although I am not sure if what I am about to tell you applies to the music of the 70s…..) However,  I now use music regularly in my seminars, usually the music of Mozart, and here’s why.

George Lozanov

The first clinical evidence of the effect of Mozart’s music on the human body was noted by Dr George Lozanov, a Bulgarian medical researcher. He wrote:

“that a very specific form of music can induce a relaxed state in the body- but, with one very major difference. The music induced relaxation and, at the same time, left the mind alert and able to concentrate.”

Natural Rhythms

Subsequent research has shown that the natural rhythms of the body – breathing, heartbeats, and brain waves – tended to synchronise themselves to the underlying beat of the music. The results were amazing! Heartbeats slowed by an average of 5 beats per minute, blood pressure decreased and beta waves in the brain decreased.

All Music?

A wide range of music was tested but Lozanov’s results showed that music with a very slow, stately, restful rhythm of 60 beats per minute was best for inducing a heightened state of alert, focussed relaxation.

Subsequent studies have supported this original research and demonstrated the profound effect of Mozart’s music on creativity, learning and relaxation. For example, one study at the University of California found that students who listened to Mozart’s music for 10 minutes prior to an exam did better than those who hadn’t! Although maybe listening to any music would have had this effect!

Relaxation

If you want to try  this out for yourself here are some suggestions, all written by Mozart:

Piano Concerto 27 in B flat major KV595, Larghetto
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra 21 in C major KV476, Andante
Divertimento 15 in B flat for two Horns and Strings KV287

Try it out and let me know if you experience the so called Mozart effect!

A Short Creative Visualisation

A visualisation is thinking in pictures instead of words; to see ‘in your mind’s eye’. Combined with relaxation it can help you access parts of the brain you don’t usually use so can be really useful when you are trying to think differently, explore a problem, or simply relax and let the stresses of the day melt away. But remember that you are always in control. If thoughts come into your mind that make you sad or unhappy just let them go and focus on something positive. This is designed to be a good experience for you to help you begin to think differently.

Find a comfortable place to lie or sit down. Make sure you are well supported either in your chair or on the floor. Use a cushion if necessary. Don’t worry about any noises, yours or external ones. The aim is to go into your own space. Move your position if you need to and don’t do anything that doesn’t feel right for you.

Once you have read this a few times try it with your eyes closed. This slows the brain waves and removes all visual distractions. Give your body a silent instruction to RELAX

Notice your breathing. Just being aware of how we are breathing can change it. If you have any breathing problems then just breathe in a way that is comfortable for you. It is important not to feel stressed in any way. Notice the timing and depth of your breathing.

On the next convenient out breathe breath out a bit extra, perhaps 3 counts longer than normal. This will cause you to breathe in more deeply and naturally enhance your breathing. You don’t want to hyperventilate. Breathe normally for a couple of breaths, noticing how you are breathing. RELAX

Relax any tension that has accumulated in your shoulders. Let that feeling of relaxation flow down your arms into your fingertips. Feel it flowing along your trunk and into your legs making you feel relaxed and alert. RELAX

On the next out breath imagine all your old preconceived notions of how things are done flowing out of you, leaving you pure and unlimited in your thoughts. As you breathe out all the old notions are disappearing with your breath, dissolving into the atmosphere. You feel relaxed and open.

As you breathe in imagine that you are now open to all new vibrant, colourful thoughts and imaginings. In your mind’s eye see the breath travelling through your body, taking warmth and colour with it. You are filling up with a beautiful colour and energy that is filling you with inspiration and creativity. With each breathe you take in imagine it adding to your creativity and intuition until you have a beautiful fund of energy to draw on, in your hands, arms, trunk, legs and feet. You are full of a natural and positive radiance. RELAX

Bring your attention back to your breathing again. Notice how you are breathing. On the next appropriate out breath breathe out a little extra, causing your breathing to deepen naturally. Breathe normally for three breaths. (PAUSE)

Notice how relaxed yet full of energy your body feels. If you can, with eyes still closed, gently shrug your shoulders, rotate them and let them relax. Feel your feet on the floor. If you can, wiggle your toes within your shoes, feel the energy moving on up your legs, into your body and down your arms. Wiggle your fingers. You are now feeling alert and full of creative energy. In your own time, open your eyes and fix on something blue within the room. Stand and stretch if you wish and bring yourself fully back into the present.