We all know that music can uplift our emotions, but according to a study posted on ScienceDaily.com, music may also help improve alertness.
Researchers from the Northumbria University in the United Kingdom gave 14 young adult volunteers a mental concentration task, where they had to tap the space bar on their keyboard every time their computer monitor showed a green square. Other shapes that appeared occasionally were to be ignored. The participants did the task in silence, as well as while listening to each of Antonio Vivaldi's four concertos: “Spring,” “Summer,” “Autumn,” and “Winter.” During the experiment, their brain activity was measured using an electroencephalography (EEG) device.
The results revealed that participants were faster and more precise in doing the task while listening to “Spring,” as compared to doing it in silence. The response time slowed when the participants listened to the more somber “Autumn.”
Aside from increasing mental alertness, “Spring” also seems to trigger the part of the brain that is related to emotional responsiveness. Psychologist Leigh Riby explains that because of this, the concerto may be used to ease stress.
So if you’re about to do something that requires you to be quick and alert, or if you’re just looking to relax after a long day, why not listen to uplifting classical music? You'll never know how it might inspire you.
(Photo by Jason Hollinger via Flickr Creative Commons)
