Most of us see music as entertainment. A source of enjoyment, something that we listen to in our free time or enjoy as a way to unwind and escape from our day-to-day life and work. However, for others, it can be used as a tool to focus and concentrate. Sometimes the lyrics are used to motivate. In this article, we’ll take a look at how music can be used by poker players, sportspeople, and students as a method to increase focus.
Poker Players Stay Calm and Focused
Poker is a game with a range of different strategies and ways to win. Because of this, it is imperative that players can stay focused for long periods of time and have a psychological endurance that may be unmatched in other walks of life. Many players, especially those in high-stake games use music as a way to block out external distractions, especially in busy places like casinos. However, it’s an effective tool for online players too. With the growth in this game in recent years, poker is more accessible than ever. Gamers can now take advantage of a range of promotions like the Global Poker bonus code which can give users coins for daily usage, meaning it is easier than ever to play for long periods of time. Online gaming can mean playing in the same room or environment online which may lead to periods where players can lose concentration. This means music can be a useful tool to regain focus when under pressure and stay in the ‘zone’.
Athletes Get Hyped Up
Music has been used across the sporting world to keep calm and relax nerves before events. As a sportsperson, it can be very easy for adrenaline to get the better of you before the event has even kicked off. A couple of hours before an athlete is ready to go, music can help them concentrate on the task ahead. Then, as the minutes tick by, it’s very common for high-energy music to be utilized to give them an edge and boost their performance. Teams across sports commonly play music in their changing rooms before games as a key part of preparation. There is even a well-known case of British tennis player Barry Cowan playing the song ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ during breaks between games to provide motivation and keep him centered.
Students and Studying Success
Beyond sport and competition, music is also used as a study aid for students. Classical or instrumental music, such as that played by Penguin Cafe Orchestra, is a great study aid to remove background noise, plus it doesn’t have the added distraction of lyrics. The rhythm can be said to encourage the student to stay focused and motivated too. It’s also been said by researchers that music can help with memory retention which can make studying sessions less stressful and more efficient.
In each one of these areas, it’s clear that music has an effect that can both boost concentration and work as a calming tool too. Whether it’s on the field, the poker table, or the desk studying, music can be a powerful ally that can minmise distraction and increase energy.
