Category: Blog

Music Listening Dangers & Side Effects

Science and research have proven that music can enhance productivity when working on repetitive tasks, helping tune out distractions from the workplace and keeping focus. However, some still swear by silence when studying. 

Despite the advantage of listening to music some dangers still remain. It may be worth being cautious whenever playing music at a constant basis. So here are some potential side effects to read and take home.

1. It can be distracting

Listening to music can be an excellent way to boost your mood, yet can become distracting when working. Therefore, it’s essential that you choose appropriate tunes while working; instrumental, classical or jazz music typically helps concentration more while upbeat songs with repetitive lyrics may impair it.

Based on your personality and the music that resonates with you, some types of songs may become distracting. If you need external stimulation to stay awake or avoid boredom, complex compositions with many instruments, varied melodies and fast tempo may be especially unfavorable; such songs tend to occupy mental bandwidth needed for critical thought and problem-solving, making it easy for other stimuli such as visual or auditory stimuli to easily divert your focus away from thinking or problem solving.

Other people may find music inspiring, particularly if they enjoy its genre. If you are drawn to pop, rock or dance music – especially pop, rock and dance music from the 1980s onwards – listening to these songs while working may help increase motivation and productivity; however if listening is likely to distract you, perhaps listening at all might be best avoided during work time.

Music may reduce your working memory capacity. Working memory refers to the amount of data stored in your brain at once that allows for processing and understanding, making quicker decisions and solving of problems much simpler. Studies indicate that listening to music while studying can lower this capacity and make studying and learning harder overall.

Music should only be consumed in moderation; otherwise it can have a devastating impact on our moods and emotions. For example, listening to sad songs while feeling depressed could trigger those negative feelings, making productivity less likely and leading to poor performance and even depression. If music is not your cup of tea right now, other audio options like white noise may work better as distractions from negative feelings – or try white noise or other forms of audio therapy as an alternative solution!

2. It can be addictive

Music can be an excellent tool to increase productivity, but it can also become addictive. According to research from the University of Miami, employees who listen to music finish tasks more quickly and are more creative than those who do not listen. While listening to music is one way to increase productivity, it is essential that you monitor both how often and loudly it is being played; listening too loudly may damage hearing as well as distract from work.

One reason that people become hooked on music is due to it releasing dopamine in their brain, a natural neurotransmitter responsible for creating feelings of pleasure and reward in our bodies. Furthermore, listening to music has a soothing effect which helps reduce stress levels while increasing happiness levels – although music addiction should not be seen as harmful like shopping, sexual acts or drugs; according to health sources like Synergy Wellness Group it may lead to loss of control, priority changes, tolerance increases withdrawal symptoms as well as potentially risky behavior.

Students often struggle to concentrate without music as an aid; however, listening to it may also become distracting and interfere with memory retention. To effectively focus on studies while listening to instrumental soundtracks or classical music can help strengthen concentration abilities while strengthening memorization abilities.

Listening to music can also be a source of negative emotions. Listening to sad or depressing songs may make you feel down and stressed out, which may impact your schoolwork or workplace performance. Furthermore, repeating listening of the same album over and over may be detrimental to mental health; its repetition could trigger negative mood states in you and cause stress-inducing mood swings. If this happens frequently for you, find something else to enjoy instead and take frequent breaks from listening to music altogether.

3. It can be a source of noise pollution

While music can be beneficial, listening to it may also pose risks. Loud music can damage your hearing and increase the risk of tinnitus; conversely, it can make communicating difficult between people. Studies also indicate that music may affect our ability to identify our emotions properly leading to feelings of annoyance, anger and confusion as well as potentially divert us away from important tasks.

Certain songs can have a beneficial effect on your mood and can create feelings of happiness or contentment, while other songs can elicit emotions such as sadness and depression, so choose carefully when selecting music to avoid these effects. For jobs requiring verbal communication, however, it is best to avoid listening to any kind of audio entertainment altogether.

Music can also contribute to noise pollution. Some songs can be too loud, which may disturb those around you and impair focus. Furthermore, lyrics in some music may prove distracting; therefore it may be beneficial if when trying to concentrate it is best to choose music without lyrics so as not to become distracted and remain focused.

Music can improve cognitive performance, an effect known as the Mozart Effect. These benefits stem from an idea that certain types of music can enhance attention and memory; however, the evidence for such claims remains inconclusive and anecdotal; in order to verify these claims scientifically they would need to conduct a controlled experiment where one group listens to classical music while the other does not.

At its core, music can be an excellent way to relax and enhance your mood. However, listening to it at lower volume levels when working or studying can also be helpful. When selecting suitable tunes to listen to, soothing, relaxing instrumental or classical pieces may be best; steady beats may slow your heart rate while fast tempo tunes may increase them; slow music may reduce stress hormone production too!

4. It can be a source of distraction

Studies have demonstrated that certain forms of music can serve as a significant distraction when performing complex tasks. This is especially true with lyrics-containing songs or loud or fast tempo instrumental pieces; when listening to music while trying to complete complex tasks, your brain processes both the lyrics in the song as well as any associated information being processed simultaneously, leading to cognitive overload that makes understanding and remembering information more challenging.

Listening to music can also serve as an effective distraction from stimuli that easily overwhelm people, according to studies. People who are more extroverted tend to become distracted more quickly from tasks by music than introverted individuals; which may suggest an association between personality traits and how music impacts task performance.

One reason music can be an interruption is its potential to induce negative emotions and interfere with our ability to concentrate. This is particularly true if we listen to upbeat or happy tunes; sad songs on the other hand could cause us to withdraw from activities altogether and can even negatively influence sleep patterns.

Music can also be an interruption when we’re trying to socialize, which can be problematic in workplace environments where listening to music may be discouraged or forbidden altogether, as well as at home when trying to work together on projects with family members.

Music can be an incredibly beneficial asset to the workplace when used at an appropriate volume and context. For example, when trying to focus on difficult tasks it can help to listen to calm, soothing music that lowers heart rate and blood pressure and thus aid concentration and sleep quality at night. When working with clients or colleagues it can also be useful to use familiar, upbeat music as it creates positive emotions while building a sense of togetherness among colleagues or clients.

spotify premium pros and cons table

How Is Lactose Intolerance Diagnosed

If you’ve ever enjoyed a scoop of cookies and cream ice cream and had to make a run for the bathroom minutes later, you’re not alone. You’d be surprised to find out how many individuals suffer from lactose intolerance but are entirely unaware.

So, if you’re often complaining of a gassy stomach after lactose consumption, it’s time you get a lactose intolerance test

Lactose Intolerance: What it is   

With dairy items such as milk, yoghurt, and cheese being our predominant sources of calcium, it’s pretty perplexing why people are intolerant to lactose, especially when we’ve had it since our early days on the planet.

While milk makes up a major chunk of our diet, many people cannot digest lactose, a disaccharide sugar. This is because their bodies fail to produce substantial amounts of lactase, a digestive chemical responsible for breaking down lactose into simpler sugars. This phenomenon is vital for nutrient absorption.

How to Tell if You’re Lactose Intolerant

Although the digestive disorder can take up several forms and intensities, some frequent manifestations of the disease include:

·         Bloating

·         Gassy stomach and loud rumbling noises 

·         Diarrhea

·         Constipation

·         Cramping

Lactose Intolerance: Is it Passed Down?

The main reason the body cannot produce the required amounts of lactase is ageing. The condition’s onset usually starts around infancy and later progresses into a full-fledged form of the disease.

However, if you’ve got lactose intolerance running in your family, you’re likely to inherit the condition.

What is a Lactose Intolerance Test?

For timely and accurate treatment, getting diagnosed is imperative. Your physician is likely to recommend getting a lactose intolerance test.

Some frequently used methods of testing include:

Hydrogen Breath Test

This is a reasonably simple way to test for lactose intolerance. You’ll be requested to fill air into a bag first to check your breath’s initial amount of hydrogen.

You’ll then be given a glucose sugar solution to drink and asked to blow up the bag once again. Finally, periodic testing is conducted on your new sample to check for elevated hydrogen levels.

High levels of hydrogen indicate a positive result. In addition, individuals with the condition have bacteria fermenting the lactose in their large intestines.

Lactose Tolerance Blood Test 

Another easy method is a glucose test on your blood sample after lactose intake. If the sugar levels in your bloodstream remain unaffected, this is a significant sign of lactose intolerance. This is due to your body’s inability to properly digest and take up lactose.

Biopsy

A sample of your inner tissue lining of the large intestine is taken through a process known as endoscopy. Microscopic observation will reveal inflammation if the patient is lactose intolerant.

Living With Lactose Intolerance

It might seem that your life has come to a halt without any dairy consumption. However, that’s certainly not the case. Instead, there are several options to look for to enjoy a diet just as healthy and nutritious. 


All You Need To Know About The Impact Of The Pallet Lifter

The festival industry is well known for large events such as Glastonbury and Reading and Leeds with millions from across the UK making the trip every year. However a lesser known fact is that there is an army of production staff and event staff working extremely hard to ensure the event is successful. Part of the reason for this is their use of the pallet lifter which we will look at further.

pallet lifter

What Is The Pallet Lifter?

The pallet lifter is a tool which is regularly used by production teams to move heavy goods and equipment across different festival sites. Normally they are used within warehouse environments but can also be used outside them. Pallet lifters can be used to lift goods which would normally require several people to lift. A Pallet lifter is normally operated by just one person and are simple to use and manoeuvre supplies/equipment. They are normally used to transport heavy goods short distances.

Why Is It Used At Festivals?

There are a number of different reasons as to why pallet lifters are used at festivals. One of the main reasons is it frees up more staff to do other roles. Another reason why it is used at festivals is it is lightweight and mobile allowing for equipment to be moved quickly and effectively to where it is needed. This sort of equipment is essential at festivals as there is often a quick turnover after each artist performs and their equipment is moved on and off stage and into their vehicles. They are also cost effective which allows for several to be used at one event.

Advantages Of The Pallet Lifter

  • Can be used to navigate small narrow areas with ease thanks to its compact design
  • Can lift in some cases over a tonne of goods or equipment that needs moved
  • Requires very little training to operate and only requires one operator
  • Compared to its alternatives it is fairly affordable for most events companies
  • requires very little maintenance

Alternatives To The Pallet Lifter

As well as the Pallet Lifter there are a number of alternative forms of equipment which can be used in a festival environment in order to move goods and ensure that the festival runs effectively. One of the most popular alternatives to the pallet lifter is the forklift truck. The forklift truck has a number of different unique capabilities and traits that set it apart.

  • Can lift weights over 3 tonnes
  • Requires one operator
  • Requires a driver that has sat a training course and holds a certificate allowing them to operate the forklift
  • The forklift is much larger than the pallet lifter and costs significantly more to purchase
  • The forklift typically requires regular maintenance in order remain in working order

Conclusions

Overall there are a number of different conclusions which can be drawn. The pallet lifter is one of the most affordable and efficient ways in which workers at festivals can carry out their roles moving supplies etc. To conclude pallet lifters are an excellent tool which can be utilised well at events and large festivals.


Reasons for Buying Golf Buggies in Scotland

Golf buggies in Scotland have a huge market. Scotland has an abundance of countryside, as well as golf courses and a whole manner of outdoor areas that could benefit from the use of a golf buggy, including movie and music video sets.

Reasons That You May Opt for Buying Golf Buggies in Scotland

Golf buggies in Scotland are no longer just for on the golf course, there are many reasons that you choose to get a golf buggy. This is due to them being so versatile, with the ability to be used for a lot of different reasons. These are just some of the many reasons that so many people opt to buy a golf buggy.

Cruise for Less

Gold buggies in Scotland give you far more mobility for less, not only are they cheaper than other vehicles upfront, they are also cheaper to run as they require less fuel and still get decent mileage. You can also get battery powered and even solar powered golf buggies in Scotland, making them even more cost effective.

Make Great Work Vehicles

Golf buggies in Scotland can make excellent work vehicles as they can be used on a number of different types of terrain. Golf buggies are often used in the film and entertainment industry to get from one side of the set to another, they can also be used for a number of different music industries, including;

  • Stables and equestrian centres
  • Campgrounds
  • Parks
  • Schools and colleges
  • Country clubs
  • Retirement communities
  • Landscapers
  • Hospitals
  • Military bases
  • Hotels
  • And, of course, golf courses

Adventure Vehicles

Although golf buggies in Scotland can be used off road, they aren’t designed for it. With a few alterations, however, they can make excellent off road vehicles that are perfect for adventures. New tyres, a lift kit and any additional features that you can think of have the potential to be added and transform a regular golf buggy into the ultimate off road vehicle.

You Own a Large Property

If you own a large property with a lot of land in Scotland, then gold buggies could benefit you. Whether you need to move objects or materials from one side of your property or another or you just want to make getting around a little easier, you should consider investing in golf buggies in Scotland.

Affordable

Even if the price of golf buggies in Scotland is too much for you to pay for upfront, there are multiple companies that offer payment plans to help you split the payment and help make a golf buggy a lot more affordable.


Reasons That Your Music Marketing Might Not Be Working

If you are just getting started out in the music industry or have been at it for ages with nothing doing well for you so far, then you may be in need of some tips in music marketing. Here are some of the reasons that your music marketing strategy may not be working.

You’re Only Using Social Media

Social media has many benefits, especially in the music industry. This doesn’t mean that should be your only form of advertising your music. Social media allows you to interact with fans on a more personal level, strengthening the bond and trust that your followers have with you. It’s also a great chance to promote new music to a very specific audience.

The let down with social media is that it’s not always the best platform to use for getting new people interested in your music and brand. Many people will ignore social media ads altogether and keep scrolling and whilst there is a chance of a post going viral and helping you gain exposure, it’s a pretty slim chance at that. Even great content can sometimes go unnoticed.

You should brand out a little more and get in contact with some traditional sources of advertising to find out what you can make work with your budget and remember, every little helps.

Another important note to take away from this is that not all communication should be done through social media. If you are getting in contact with business associates, labels, promoters or journalists, then contacting them through either call or email is far more professional. You also need to take into consideration that their inboxes on social media will likely already be flooded with wannabe musicians, so your message may be overlooked in the sea of spam.

You’re Ignoring Outsiders and Freelancers

Of course, everyone wants to get that feature article with a major music publication, however, this may not always be achievable. Even if you have a large number of followers it still might not be enough to secure that spot.

It’s essential to aim high but in the music industry especially, you need to build stepping stones in order to get where you want to be. In this industry nothing is handed to you, so if you see an opportunity, even if it’s not as glamourous as you’d hoped, take it.

Reaching out to smaller bloggers and publications is a great way to get your name out there. These bloggers will usually focus on a niche type of music, which means that their followers may all be a part of your target audience if you choose the right bloggers. These blogs may have a smaller reach but they have a far more targeted audience, which could end up meaning that more people take an interest in what you have to offer.

You Are Paying for Fake Followers, Likes and Views

It is easy to lie online, everyone knows that by now. Whether it’s fake news or fake views, there can be a lot of deception out there. Avoid websites that claim to be able to increase your followers drastically in a short space of time. These will most likely be fake accounts, which isn’t going to do anything for your brand.

Many record labels will expect artists to have a real following of fans and they are experts at weeding out the fake accounts. But let’s be honest, that’s not that difficult to spot if the account has hundreds of thousands of followers but posts are only getting 10 likes and a couple of comments.  You risk tarnishing your name as a professional before you’ve even started out and it looks incredibly desperate.


Eco-Songwriter Randy Todd plays Los Angeles

Santa Monica’s newest home for musicians and music lovers is The Trip. Westside LA has long been a place to hear great performances, and venues like the Brig, Hinano’s, the Bistro and the Red Garter have kept that magic happening. Now The Trip, formerly the Bitter Redhead via Nocturnal Bar, is poised to take over as the hottest stage in town.

Coming up on Monday, 12/15 at 8:30pm see Randy Todd, veteran L.A. singer/songwriter, do his amazing acoustic set of inspired and socially conscious originals, followed by a night of melodic improvisation, favorite covers played with a new twist, and exciting guitar work from some of the rising musical stars of Los Angeles.

Show up early and enjoy the fine wines, microbrews, and sake specials, and see the host of the Monday Night Acoustic Jam, Dan O’Sullivan, kick off the excitement with his own unique style. If you wanna sound like him, then checkout the superior singing method. Otherwise stick around for a Green Music performance by local legend and eco-activist Randy Todd. The night will end with some crazy jams featuring talented special guests, so don’t miss it. For the World!

The Trip is located at 2101 Lincoln, at Grant, in Santa Monica. Doors at 8pm, music starts promptly at 8:30. a suggested donation of $5 goes directly to supporting more music in the community!


Eco-Musician

The Green Movement involves artists from every nation and walk of life, all committed to helping preserve our environmental heritage from the ravages of apathy, greed, and ignorance. Through Music, we can heal. Through songs, we can communicate on an emotional level that is unique to sound, it’s ability to make us feel something – especially when that feeling is loving this world and everything on it. Clean water, clean air, climate change, and biodiversity are some of the most urgent issueswe will ever face, and every second counts when rainforest species and countless medicines and miracles of the natural world are vanishing as we breathe, and the world gets closer to irrevocable widespread devastation brought about by environmental chain reactions.

We’ve all seen the world going crazy, storms, earthquakes, terrorists, greenhouse gasses, and more, some of which is just out of our control. But some of it is in our control and we can take steps, with purpose, to heal the damage unthinking generations have inflicted on this planet and begin to reverse the tide that could sweep us all into oblivion.

Watch the frogs. They are an indicator species, like salamanders, and these ‘keystone species’ let us know – like the canary in the coalmine – that something is going wrong and it’s time for immediate action. With the climate changing, many species of amphibians are dying off altogether, and many others losing drastic numbers of their kind, as molds and fungis attack their sensitive skins and they can no longer survive in a warming ecosystem.

Biodiversity could save us from countless diseases – known and unencountered yet – not to mention interspecies collapse on a world-threatening scale. Albert Einstein, the vegetarian, once said that the human race would have seven years to survive if the bees disappeared. And what’s been happening? Hive after hive has been found ravaged by mites now able to attack the bees, or abandoned by bees no longer able to navigate back to their home.

We need to grab the wheel, push the scarecrow out of the drivers seat and turn this gas-guzzler around. It’s time for those with the wisdom, the creativity, and the love to see the path that we call walk together, to help us head down it. Music will heal us, guide us, and save us from those parts of ourselves that grow jaded, anxious, depressed, resigned, and angry. So Eco-Musician is dedicated to that fighting spirit which lives in each of our souls and wants there to be a heaven on earth, and we the shepherds of Eden.