Many of us have heard about the Mozart Effect that says that listening to Mozart improves your mathematical ability. Some say it is the rhythm of classical music at 60-70 beats per minute that stirs some primitive reaches of your brain to help you to make more sense of numbers. In reality, studies have shown that listening to any music that you like releases endorphins, which is what actually makes you smarter.
Endorphins are chemicals in the brain that pass along signals from one neuron to the next. Have you ever noticed how some songs just make you happier or even cause you to drive a little bit faster when they come on the radio? I have attended presentations where they begin with some kind of heart-pounding music to release a dose of endorphins in the audience and the presenter just before the speaker takes the stage.
All it takes is as little as 20 seconds of music that you like to trigger the release of endorphins. Next time you need to be a little smarter, get your jam on. I have a playlist of upbeat rock classics on my cell phone that I listen to just before I present or attend high profile meeting to release endorphins and up my game when I need it most.
Do you listen to music when you need to be a little smarter?
