London - If you can’t get a catchy song out of your head, help may finally be at hand – or in this case, in your mouth.
Scientists say that chewing gum after hearing an annoying song will help you think about it less often.
In the study, by the University of Reading, 98 volunteers were played two catchy tunes, and then asked to hit a key every time they thought of them – while chewing gum, tapping their finger or doing nothing.
They found that the people who were chewing gum or tapping their finger reported thinking of the songs less often – with chewing gum reducing the frequency by a third.
The technique works by interrupting the ‘inner voice’ in your head, and according to study leader Dr Phil Beaman, it could also help banish other intrusive thoughts.
Daily Mail