The Role of Music in Our Daily Lives

I have to admit that I am a very distracted thinker. Because of this, it is often very difficult for me to focus on the task at hand. I start out doing one thing and then a thought intrudes about something else and I break away to focus on a completely different task. The most fun about this is that it has gotten worse with age. However, I have found something that has greatly aided in my search for anything that could help me be more effective each day.

Quite simply, it is music.

Not just any kind of music will work. I have experimented with very different types of genres that I love - classical, musicals, blue grass, big band...None of it really worked for me until I happened to try quiet instrumental music, often referred to as "New Age". There is something about the lack of complication in the arrangements, usually just a few or sometimes only one instrument is used, and the beat is slow and melodic. Somehow these simple strains calm my thoughts and help me tune in to what I'm doing.

I can't prove this or even explain why this type of music is able to help me so much. It would be interesting to find out if any studies have been done about the effects that certain types of music have on the mind. I am sure there would be a very measurable effect. For me, the difference in my ability to be calm and stay on task with and then without music is amazing.

I use to fill my quiet hours of homemaking with a low buzz of conversation from the tv. I would use it to keep me "company". But it would often pull me to the screen and cause me to waste time. Plus, I frankly don't like a steady diet of TV programs, as the subject matter is usually some form of a crime show or exploitative sex content. Now, I turn the TV on only to tune to the Soundscape music channel that Comcast offers.

What a difference to my day, such calm and peace and feeling of accomplishment.

So, I pass this along to anyone else who is, as Flylady calls us, a Side-Tracked Home Executive. Try the use of music to stimulate and focus your senses to where you want them to be.

No more scramble thoughts!

How about you? How do you use music during your day?

Have a great one!
Elizabeth

(Computer still in shop...also has a hard drive problem!)