Don't Let Music Overload Your Multitasking Brain

The New York Times reports today on the toll that the trend towards multitasking is taking on brain performance. In a world of cell phones, instant messaging, e-mails, and multi-windowed browsers bringing millions of web sites to your desktop, serious brainwork has to squeeze in edgewise. Don't let your iPod (or other music playback device) become part of the problem.

As the Times correctly reports, music with lyrics can interfere with cognitive processing for certain tasks. So can music that is too complex, loud, or emotional, and music that you don't like. When you listen to demanding or disturbing music while also trying to think, read, or learn, you create what scientists call a dual task paradigm. You can just call it a distraction. This effect can be more pronounced when listening over headphones -- so with the wrong playlist, your iPod could make you more prone to mistakes and less efficient.

On the other hand, the right kind of music can actually help you concentrate, by blocking out other distractors and generating alpha brain waves. Just reverse the checklist above -- choose instrumental music (no lyrics) with steady pace and volume. Make sure the sound pleases you without demanding your attention. Dial down the volume until the music melts into the background and your thought process takes center stage.

• Pick: Vivaldi's Guitar Concertos are a great counter to information overload -- and all the better when performed by the legendary Romero brothers and on sale at amazon!

Spring Ahead: Music to Reset Your Sleep Clock

I'm a light junkie. I sit in the sun, keep the blinds open, drive a double-moonroofed Mini, and live in an (almost) glass house. So today, I'm delighted. Congress, in its wisdom, has saved the daylight by legislative fiat, giving us each an extra hour of luminescence every evening from now until the darkening days of fall.

But, sadly, Congress didn't see fit to also change the time the workday starts tomorrow. So somehow we all have to get to sleep at our usual bedtime tonight despite it being an hour premature and following so close on the heels of sundown.

If the excitement of seeing daylight after dinner has you still buzzing at bedtime, use music to reset your sleep clock tonight, and every night until you're back on track. Start by turning the TV off before you get ready for bed, switching to some soft music instead. Then, pick a comfortable spot -- bed or somewhere else -- to dim the lights, lie down, and listen to ten minutes of Relaxing music at a satisfying volume. Don't talk, read, or run through your to-do list. Just listen. This will slow down your brain waves and evoke the relaxation response.

• Pick: Fila Brazillia, Soft Music Under Stars on Asian Travels (Six Degrees).

If you like, you can reduce the volume and let the music keep playing until you drift off to sleep. (Make sure that all the music on your CD or playlist is soft and soothing with no jarring surprises.) Stop listening and let yourself float above the sounds. Sleep sweetly. It's the season of light!