We all know college comes with stress and its fair share of mental breakdowns, and for those who want to get good grades it can get pretty intense. One great thing you can try is listening to classical music while you study.
Studies show that classical music cuts learning time, decreases errors and raises test scores. It decreases blood pressure which leads to higher concentration and retention. University of California, Irvine did a study where they found that listening to classical music has the possibility to raise your I.Q. by an average of nine points. Another study done at a university in France found that students who attended a lecture where classical music was played in the background did better on a quiz about the lecture than students who attended the same lecture with no music playing in the background.
Classical music integrates both sides of the brain. The left side, is more logical, analytical, and factual, and the right side, is more creative, emotional and when they work together it's like a perfect formula for brain function. So the parts of the brain responsible for memory, motor function, timing and language are stimulated allowing for efficient learning and better information retention.
Listening to classical music is a huge creative boost as well. So when you are sitting at your computer at 10:30 p.m. and you have an essay due at midnight but you can't seem to get the words on the paper, pop on some of that Mozart to get the brain juices flowing.
Students who listen to music that is 60-70 beats per minute (most classical music) scored an average of 12 percent higher than other students. The steady tone and range helps students study for longer and improves information retention.
So this year try listening to classical music while you study. You have the potential to do much better than if you didn't. Some of the greatest minds in the world listen to classical music.
You don't have to listen to anything specific -- just go on Spotify and search "Classical Study Music" and there are hundreds of albums and playlists you can choose from. Once you find what you like, listening to classical music while you study is a pleasure.
In the wise words of famous composer, Johann Sebastian Bach, "If I decide to be an idiot, then I'll be an idiot on my own accord."
Don't be an idiot. Be like Bach, and listen to classical music while you study.
