How’s your cognitive function?
The blank slate. Einstein’s static universe. The planet Vulcan. Evolution. What do all these have in common? They’re all famous theories that have been debunked. And another one, maybe not quite as famous, might be debunked, too. But for now it seems to be true. I’m talking about how music improves cognitive function.
Can music actually improve your cognitive function?
Well, if it does, I’d have to say a huge amount of people, on social media, aren’t listening to music. But maybe that’s not the best place for research (even though social media is the source of all truth).
So, back to the point. First, what is cognitive function? Basically it’s your brain’s capacity for tasks like learning, thinking, reasoning, remembering, and problem solving. And some researchers at the University of California, Irvine, studied what they call the “Mozart Effect” on a person’s brain. Because it has been discovered I have amazing mathematical abilities.
Oops…I meant, they’ve observed how many musicians have “unusual mathematical abilities.” So, same difference.
Anyway…
Those researchers did a test a three groups of empty-headed people…uh, I mean college students. First, they tested their IQ. And they did a comparison. One group had spent 10 minutes in silence before the test. Another spent that time listening to a relaxation tape. And the third group listened to a Mozart piano sonata.
The Mozart listeners were the winners. And their scores consistently went up when compared to the others. Holy Amadeus, Batman! That’s pretty cool. And they did other comparisons. But each time Mozart’s music won.
So, the researchers theorize that listening to music “helps organize the firing of nerve cells in the right half of the cerebral cortex.” I recently talked about some other benefits of healthy neurons. And I believe listening to more complex music gives your brain a much better workout. And that’s probably why I have, oops, I mean…so many musicians have those “unusual mathematical abilities.”
And just to be clear…this isn’t a brain fix thing.
In other words, you can’t just listen to Mozart and become brilliant. The research also showed the effect might be somewhat temporary. But you certainly won’t be stupider. And the benefits of exercise are always temporary. That’s why you gotta keep exercising. Right?
So, if you’re looking for a way to build up your brain muscles, consider a little Mozart muscle music. Or even better, try some music from my favorite composer. And maybe I’ll see you at the musical gym sometime.
Workin’ out my brain as I sing a song’s refrain
Makes me smarter or at least that’s how it seems.
So, I’ll just sing my tunes mornings, evenings, afternoons,
And I’ll solve some math equations in my dreams.
Let’s get to know each other better and stay connected. Join the growing body of believers who signed up for the FunderFlash Journal. And receive daily, delightful dashes of salt and flashes of light from the power of God’s love.
Stay tuned…
