A Study Found Toe-Tapping Songs Are Good for Your Brain

It’s official.  Listening to 95.9 The River every day is good for your brain . . . and not just because of our brilliantly witty banter.  A new study found listening to SONGS you love is good for your ol’ noodle.  Especially songs that make you tap your feet.

Scientists in Japan looked at how brain activity is affected by music that’s got a “groove” to it.  And they found it has a positive effect on our prefrontal cortex.  That’s a part of the brain that helps with planning, self-control, short-term memory, and abstract thinking.

The one catch is it doesn’t work that well with songs you’ve never heard before.  It has to be a toe-tapping song you already know and love.

Study authors say, “These findings, while largely preliminary, have the potential to benefit countless people. From the retiree looking to stay sharp mentally and stave off dementia, to workers and students alike hoping to improve their performances, throwing on a few catchy tunes may just be a difference maker.”

Really like the science-y stuff? Here you go.