Einstein mural, location unknown, 26

What if your new year’s resolution is to become more intelligent?

With the new year just starting, we are still firm in our belief that we will keep up with our resolutions this time. How many of you have decided to eat healthily, quit drinking or smoking or do more sports? But what about treating your mind, giving yourself a boost in intelligence, and what if, apart from visiting musea and theatres, listening to classical music can you help you more than you think?

What does music do for the brain?

Einstein is one of the most intelligent people of all time; we don't have to become one ourselves. But say we want to move a little bit more in his direction? Well maybe with music because it has several effects on the brain, depending on how it is perceived and the context in which it is listened to. Potential effects of music on the brain are:

  • Mood regulation: Music affects your mood and emotional state. For example, listening to upbeat music improves your mood and makes you feel more positive, while listening to slower, more relaxing music can help you relax and unwind.
  • Stress reduction: Music reduces stress and anxiety and is an effective way to relax and de-stress after a long day.
  • Increased focus and productivity: Some people find that listening to music helps them focus and concentrate on tasks, mainly if the music is instrumental or has a moderate tempo.
  • Memory and learning: Music affects memory and learning positively, particularly when combined with other forms of learning, such as teaching through song.

Overall, the effects of music on the brain are complex and varied and depend on several factors, including the individual listener's preferences and the specific characteristics of the music being listened to.

What does classical music do for the brain?

Classical music is a genre of music that has several potential benefits for the brain. Some of how classical music affects the brain include:

  • Improving cognitive function: Some research suggests that listening to classical music may improve cognitive function, particularly in older adults. For example, one study found that listening to classical music improved memory and cognitive function in seniors with dementia.
  • Enhancing creativity: Listening to classical music improves creativity, mainly if the music is unfamiliar or complex.
  • Improving sleep: Classical music may also have a positive effect on sleep. For example, one study found that listening to classical music before bedtime improved sleep quality in adults with insomnia.

It is important to note that the effects of classical music on the brain may vary depending on the individual listener and the specific characteristics of the music being listened to.

How can music improve your learning process?

There is some evidence to suggest that music can improve the learning process in many ways:

  • Enhancing memory: Music affects memory positively, particularly when combined with other forms of learning, such as teaching through song.
  • Improving focus and concentration: Some people find that listening to music helps them focus and concentrate on tasks, mainly if the music is instrumental or has a moderate tempo.
  • Reducing stress and anxiety: Music reduces stress and anxiety, creating a more positive and relaxed learning environment.
  • Improving motivation: Music can also motivate, helping to increase engagement and enthusiasm for learning.

Overall, the effects of music on learning may depend on many factors, including the individual learner's preferences and the specific characteristics of the music being listened to. Therefore, finding a type of music that works for you and does not distract you from the task is essential.

To sum it up

Many good influences stem from music, and thus also classical music. So I recommend you listen to it, even visit a concerto or an opera. It may make you smarter, you will most certainly enjoy the concert hall, and the scenery of some operas will stun you. It will be easier to live up to this resolution than all the others. By the way, I made a playlist to introduce classical music to you; click the button and get started. The other option is to follow my blog fanatically.

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