How Music Motivates Us

Most people recognize that music helps them to work out better. However, not many people understand how music motivates them when they work out. Scientists have extensively studied the way music affects the brain for the better part of a century. There is a special branch of neuroscience that studies the exact subject: neuromusicology .

The study of neuromusicology has led to discoveries about what genre of music induces mood shifts, as well as the exact neurological responses that the body makes in response to music. The evidence shows that music motivates people, both physically and emotionally. Here’s how music motivates us.

Music Prevents Fatigue

The first way that music motivates us is by reducing or preventing fatigue. The proves music can help break up routine tasks that occupy the day. Routine is a helpful tool for productivity, but it is also harmful to the brain by trapping it into patterns that quickly become boring. Music helps motivation by providing new information to the brain and preventing mental fatigue.

Music Stimulates and Engages

Whenever a person listens to music, their brain sends signals between auditory and motor neurons. The result is increased motivation for movement. Furthermore, physical activity and exercise have been linked with better mental health. Listening to music aids motivation by creating stimuli in the brain, leading to more engagement and higher productivity. An anecdotal report from an HR manager from A-Writer claims that productivity increased by 40% when music therapy was incorporated into the company’s work routine.

Music Improves Motor Skills

Moving with rhythm helps improve motor skills and can even boost self-confidence , which by extension boosts self-esteem . Huffington Post recently published an on the effects of music on teenager self-esteem. Music can help teens form a sense of self-worth and help them overcome challenges and push their limits. For a quick boost of confidence, put on some music and dance!

Music Aids Relaxation, Which Increases Motivation

Music acts as a distraction from the stress of the modern world. Rhythm and sound draw the brain’s focus away from worrying and stress and towards relaxation and enjoyment. When a person becomes stressed, their body releases a stress hormone known as cortisol. Studies have shown that listening to music shortly after a traumatic event or injury reduces cortisol levels and improves recovery time. Lower levels of cortisol are also linked to higher productivity and feelings of motivation.

Originally published at https://brieneumann.org on November 2, 2021.