Like many of us here at BrainWiz, you are probably really fond of learning; specifically, studying or even mastering a new field or task. The funny thing about learning is that despite spending 16-20+ years in school, there is always room for improvement when it comes to studying.
We’re fans of supplements to improve memory recall and learning, but there are many other tips I’ve given to friends to boost their study habits. One of my favorite memory hacks, one I’ve been using since high-school, is listening to music while I study. But not just any music. The Mozart Effect is a term used to describe the positive effect music (specifically Mozart’s) and other classical composers’ can have on learning, reducing stress, and improving sleep patterns.
Listening to music while studying improves your ability to learn and recall information by improving your mood. Studies show these positive emotions by impact academic performance by changing brain wave states, helping focus concentration, and improving memory.
While most studies suggest classical music is the best choice for studying, there is some recent evidence suggesting that other types of music, like the score to a favorite movie, can improve mood learning ability to a similar degree.
A simple web search for “study music” will turn up hundreds of results. Start with the tried and true classical route, but feel free to experiment with meditation music, movie scores, ambient music, or even nature sounds. Let us know what works best for you in the comments.