Member-only story
The Perfect Productivity Playlist, According to Brain Science
How to pick the right music to boost your focus, motivation, and mood
In the early 1990s, there was a scientific rumor, loosely based on one study’s findings, that listening to classical music could make people smarter. The idea, dubbed “the Mozart effect,” permeated pop culture and even politics: In 1998, the governor of Georgia allocated $100,000 of the state’s budget to provide parents of newborn babies with classical CDs.
As you might guess, the efficacy of the Mozart effect was overblown: Decades later, researchers have failed to find a legitimate scientific link between greater intelligence and listening to 18th-century composers. The process of trying to find the connection, though, has led to a broader takeaway: Listening to music at certain times really can enhance performance. You’ve probably got a playlist that helps you power through at the gym; why not design one to help you kick ass from 9 to 5? Here’s how to do it.
Start with a banger
In the original “Mozart effect” study, volunteers listened to either 10 minutes of Mozart, relaxation tapes, or silence before completing a list of mental challenges. Of the three groups, the Mozart listeners did the best.
