Earworm: Same song playing in your mind again and again? Know what is earworm and 5 easy scientific ways to prevent it

News India Live, Digital Desk: Often we listen to a song on radio or social media reel and then the same tune keeps echoing in our mind the whole day. We cannot stop him even if we want to. In medical science it is called ‘Involuntary Musical Imagery’ (INMI) or in common language ‘Earworm’. According to research, 98% of the people in the world face this situation at some point in their life. Why do songs get stuck in the mind? (Why it happens?) Our brain is fond of remembering certain patterns. When we listen to a song that: Is very simple and repetitive. Has a very fast or catchy rhythm. Is associated with a particular emotion or memory… then our brain puts it in a ‘mental loop’. This problem increases further when there is stress or sitting idle. 5 Surefire Ways to Get Rid of Earworms (How to stop it) Listen to the complete song: Often a song gets stuck in the mind because our brain leaves it incomplete (which is called ‘Zeigarnik effect’). Listening to a song from beginning to end gives the brain “closure” and stops it from repeating itself. Chew gum: It may sound strange, but research says that chewing gum engages our jaw muscles, which affects the brain’s ability to repeat the melody of the song. Challenge the brain: Solve a difficult puzzle (Sudoku) or read a serious book. When you engage your brain on a complex task, it breaks the musical loop. Listen to a different song: Listen to a different, completely different song (like the national anthem or a hymn) to replace the old one. This works like a ‘cover’ song. Don’t try to force it: the more you try to suppress the song, the louder it will be. Ignore it as a normal process, it will subside on its own. Is it a sign of any mental illness? Earworms are completely normal in most cases. But, if a tune can’t get out of your head for weeks and starts affecting your sleep or work, it could be a sign of OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) or anxiety. In such a situation, it is better to take expert advice.