Music changes brain waves, she explained, with faster music beats increasing the frequency of brain waves from slow, reflective alpha waves to energized, alert beta waves. “You can actually shift your mind to a desired state.’’
In her practice, Mindlin uses music therapy to help those with insomnia learn to switch to slower brain waves at night to get into a relaxed state; she uses faster beat playlists to help those with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder achieve better focus.
“I find the Mozart Sonata in D Major increases focus and concentration for most people even those without ADHD,’’ Mindlin said. “But you really have to find what works for yourself,’’ she added, based on your personal preferences and whatever emotions and memories are triggered by certain tunes — like a song sung to you by your grandmother.
Mindlin recalled a Russian boxer who geared up for his matches by listening to a popular Russian song with a slow beat — that would normally evoke slow brain waves and relaxation. “Every time he heard it, though, it stirred him and helped him focus.’’
General rules of thumb for playlists: If you’re tired and need to rev up, choose tunes with faster beats. If you’re feeling anxious before a big event like a work presentation or exam, music with a slower beat can help slow brain waves to bring you to a maximum state of alertness. As Mindlin explained, being overly anxious can actually reduce mental performance. “Maximum focus occurs when you can balance relaxation with the activation state.’’
To arrange playlists for various states of alertness, from sleepy relaxation up to maximum energy and focus, Mindlin recommends choosing songs based on their beats per minute (BPM) and putting them on separate playlists. Songs under 100 BPM are good for relaxing, so you might want to have a playlist with only slowbeat songs at night.
Those songs paced at 100 to 130 BPM get you on what Mindlin calls “high alert,’’ which may be good when you’re driving home from work and looking to unwind a bit without falling asleep at the wheel. Those with 135 to 155 BPM put you on higher alert and may be good for driving to work to get yourself geared up for the day. Those with 160 or above BPM will get you to the highest alert state — especially if you play them loudly.
You can calculate beats per minute using a software tool (www.all8.com/tools) or just Googling the song’s title and artist along with BPM.
