A study published in the journal Neuropsychologia advises taking inspiration from jazz musicians to maximise our cognitive abilities
Many employees find it difficult to concentrate on their work. Some try various methods to get themselves into a state of complete concentration and productivity. A study published in the journal Neuropsychologia advises taking inspiration from jazz musicians to maximize our cognitive abilities.
The research focuses on what is known as "flow." This term refers to a state of total concentration, during which body and mind are completely absorbed in a single task. American-Hungarian psychologist Mihály Csíkszentmihályi was the first to take an interest in this subject in the 1970s, during research into the creative process.
Since then, psychological research has shown that the experience of flow—or being "in the zone" —can enhance physical and mental performance. Anyone can experience moments of flow in their free time or at work. But athletes, musicians and artists are more likely to be frequently immersed in this psychological state.
That's why researchers from Drexel University (USA) recruited some 30 jazz guitarists to understand the key brain processes associated with flow. The artists had varying levels of experience, depending on the number of public performances they had given.
The scientists placed electrodes on the musicians' heads to record their brain waves as they improvised to chord sequences and rhythms provided to them. In addition, the guitarists were asked to rate the degree of flow they felt while playing the guitar. The experts also listened to the songs the participants had created to determine how creative they had been.