Question of the day

What kind of music improves your mood?

Ever get in the car and suddenly a tune comes on that just takes you right out of your thoughts and makes you break into song? Or perhaps you drift into fantasy land and pump out an awesome guitar solo…leaving you to feel like a master of skill…powerful. Or, perhaps, you can remember a classic breakup song that lets yourself cry all your tears after a separation.

Yes, music can do all that. In fact some studies have shown that music can have profound effects on your brain chemistry and your overall well-being.

In this article by Thrive Global Mayo Osin, looks at how music can impact your mood.

Warm up

  • What kind of music do you like?
  • What music puts you in a good mood?
  • What music puts you in a bad mood?

The article: The Science of How Music Affects Your Productivity

Comprehension Quiz

Quiz: Music & Productivity

Test your comprehension of the article’s core findings.

1. What neurotransmitter is released when listening to music you enjoy? Retrieval

2. Which type of music is most likely to REDUCE cognitive performance during deep work? Retrieval

3. According to the article, why is familiar music better for focus than new music? Retrieval

4. Why might listening to vocal pop music hurt an introvert’s reading performance more than an extrovert’s? Inference

5. If you must focus on writing a complex essay, what is the best strategy based on the article’s findings? Inference

Discussion Questions

  • Do a Mind Map of all the elements and words associated to music, mental health and productivity.
  • What kind of music enhances productivity? What music reduces productivity? Why?
  • What are the differences between introverted and extroverted people with regards to music and memory?
  • What types of music should you listen to?