Those crappy Christmas tunes you are forced to endure every year could be seriously damaging your health, researchers have warned.
Being exposed to the inescapable, repetitive sounds of classic festive songs causes distress, which can manifest as a physical illness.
Inc.com reports: That’s because the brain becomes oversaturated, triggering a negative response.
If you’re already worried about money, work, orseeing family during the holidays, the constant inundation of cheerful tunes may reinforce your stress instead of relieving it.
It can also be downright distracting, affecting employee productivity and irritating consumers.
In fact, a 2011 Consumer Reports survey found that 23 percent of Americans dread holiday music.
Clinical psychologist Linda Blair says Christmas music can be mentally draining:
“People working in the shops [have to tune out] Christmas music, because if they don’t, it really does stop you from being able to focus on anything else…You’re simply spending all of your energy trying not to hear what you’re hearing.”
How can you strike the right balance of good cheer that doesn’t drive you crazy?
Switch up your music so people’s brains don’t get bored.
Playing the same Christmas songs all season long produces cognitive fatigue. Practice good sound management by varying your playlists and keeping the volume in check.
Studies also show that wintry scents like pine and cinnamon help conjure happy emotions, so recruit other senses when celebrating.
If all else fails, a set of ear plugs makes a nice stocking stuffer.