Music and Mood
Today, I'm in quite an upbeat mood. I'm not sure why but could it have anything to do with music?
You see, I don't usually play music while I'm working, preferring to have quiet and calm as I find it helps me concentrate better. But today I had a break as I do regularly and I heard music coming from my neighbour's place as I made some tea.
When I returned, and without thinking about it, I dug through my collection of mp3's on the PC and played some Spanish music I'd picked up when I lived there - nothing fast but definitely not slow. As I carried on working I realised that my mood was bright and even my feet were going to the beat! Heck, I've even had a quick dance a couple of times!!!!
I've been playing music all afternoon and evening now and can't believe how much work I've got through! And it got me wondering what other people do in WA to increase their mood and productivity while they work. After all, it's not always easy working in a home environment!
I hope you take the time to share what works for you as it could help others here.
Thanks for stopping by,
Richard.
Recent Comments
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I enjoy playing music while I am working at he computer. I have some brain wave entrainment MP3's that really stimulate my thought processes when I am playing these MP3's. I also like playing some classical. I think music will help anyone working at their computer.
Hi John.
When I used to be a trainer (more years ago than I care to remember!!!) I was always told that the best music for learning was light baroque played at a level that was barely audible. Apparently it stimulates the brain at certain wavelengths.
I'm not sure about that but what I do know is that 20somethings don't appear to like it!! lol
Hi Richard, I think music played a big part in your creativity. It helped fuel motivation without you even realizing it.
I am big into rock n' roll and find it really helps me concentrate. It seems to also spark ideas that I may not have thought of if I was working in silence.
Pink Floyd is great for me because there tunes aren't too wild, but almost calming in a way, and I find I am most productive when listening to them.
Good luck to ya!
Hi Taylor.
I think it definitely helped :) Strange thing is I see an ad on the side of a bus today that gave me an idea to use.... Maybe it's just being here at WA helping to bring the creativity to the fore...
Massive Floyd fan myself and in my old vocation as an electrician, when allowed or applicable, I stuck in the earphones and got into the zone. I found that if I was doing a particularly intricate task like wiring a panel that I was isolated from extraneous noises and distractions and could concentrate on the job at hand producing a more efficient and precise neat result!
I've never been into Pink Floyd - Eddie Floyd was more my thing lol but I must give them a try some time.
Try the albums from the 69 -73 era pre Darkside. My favourite is Meddle with the epic Echoes which half way through has sounds reminiscent of whale songs. This was the whole of the b side of the album at over 22 mins. Shine on you crazy diamond is also an epic if you merge the two parts together, another 20 odd minute escape!
Hi - I have YouTube playing a selection in the background - every once in a while I'll hear a new song, and look it up on YT and add it to my playlist - love listening to music while I work - definitely lifts my mood.
All the best, Mark
Hi Mark.
Hadn't thought of YouTube before.... Tried the radio but too many ads and too much waffle for my liking.
Hi - YouTube does run adverts on more popular songs - but tbh I get used to them, and just wait a few seconds for my selection to play - I zone out from the adverts now.
You could also download iTunes (other popular MP3 playlist creators are available - Windows has Zune :) ) - and create "mood" play lists.
So I have "current music" (what I like listening to just now), "Long epics" (think pink floyd, dire straits 10 minute tunes etc), "Learn Spanish" (as I want to take this in subconsciously) - etc etc
All are different mood creators for me personally - I don't find them distracting at all, but I can see how some people would.
Cheers, Mark
Thanks Richard - I have enjoyed music ALL MY LIFE! It helps me with many things - especially cleaning the house! LOVE IT! All the best!
Ken
I'm a music lover. Whatever I feel like, on it goes! I find it can change the whole atmosphere in the house. Music and moods, there is scientific proof that they are linked. Great post, Richard and I'm glad that you are having a marvellous day!
Music has that same effect on me, Rich. Sometimes it calms my inner turmoil and helps me focus. Normally it might be a distraction, but when I need something to calm me down, music will usually do the trick.
Pat
Usually I just head for the kitchen and make tea or walk to the beach for ten minutes... Not sure what it was today but it's been very productive :D
It's good to hear that you've had a productive day and have been in an upbeat mood. I have no doubt that music can have a big influence on one's mood.
I'll write a bit more tomorrow - am nearly falling asleep over the keyboard. Hope you have a good night.
HI Isabella.
Yes, I agree that it can affect your mood but normally I need quiet to be productive so I'm not sure what changed today....
Have a good night,
Richard.
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I don't usually play music either but I will have to give it a try.
Hi Betty.
Sometimes you have to try something different. Sometimes I play music now and sometimes not.
I'm trying to put a play list together of stuff they used to play at the Amway conventions - if it wasn't positive they didn't play it. Maybe I'll share it here when it's done....