A recent paper published in Nature Neuroscience by researchers at McGill University demonstrated the effect of “pleasurable” music on the brain through the increased release of dopamine. The groups findings provides “neurochemical evidence that intense emotional responses to music involve [the] reward circuitry” of the brain. Since the production of dopamine is particularly useful for establishing or maintaining behaviour, working out to your favourite music or blasting your favourite CD while cleaning the house gives your brain a boost when it comes to accomplishing tasks it might otherwise find onerous.

So next time you want to tackle a tough task, stimulate your reward circuitry by listening to your favourite music. With dopamine flooding your system, it will be that much easier to accomplish the job!