Listening to music at work aids concentration

Darci Marchese, wtop.com

WASHINGTON – Think the guy in the next cubicle is being rude by wearing his earbuds and listening to music?

He may just be sharpening his brain.

Several experts say listening to music keeps the brain functioning better.

The New York Times sites a study out of the University of Miami that shows listening to music at work helps prevent the brain from wandering, letting employees work more quickly and efficiently.

The lead researcher tells the Times that music improved the subjects’ moods, which in turn helped them come up with better ideas.

The study points out that workers who benefited from music most were moderately skilled at their jobs. Beginners found music distracting.

Another doctor at the Mayo Clinic says lost concentration can be regained by listening to music for just 15 minutes.

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(Copyright 2012 by WTOP. All Rights Reserved.)

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