Turn On Your Radio And Work Better?
Music while you work is good for you? When I first entered the world of work there was absolutely no way I could have a radio on at work. (Although I do recall exceptions being made for some cricket matches…) Home working has changed all of that. We have much more control over our working environment if we work from home.
So, is music a part of your working day or does it feel too frivolous? Or distracting?
Music While You Work
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’. I might have added, it also blocks out the noise of my two younger brothers. But my Mum never wore that. I always had to turn it off.
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… or swooning to Elvis Presley.)
However, I now use music regularly in my seminars and one to one coaching, usually the music of Mozart, while participants are working, 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. Who doesn’t need that in their life?
All Music?
A wide range of music was tested. However, 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.
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
RenewYou, My Tried and Tested Career Booster!
RenewYou has helped thousands of women make positive and lasting change in their lives. I deliver it one-to-one as part of a bespoke coaching package for women looking to move into leadership, to progress their career, or who wish to be the absolute best version of themselves.
Posted on January 3rd, 2023 by Jane
