Music may soothe the savage beast, but it can up your game and competitiveness, too.

Seems you can amplify your sense of power, improve your abstract thinking (what is the meaning of life?) and cut your reaction time if you do what snowboarder Shaun White and dozens of other athletes do.

Crank up that old time rock 'n' roll - or whatever hard-driving rhythm inspires you - and let it fly! During White's first official try at a "Double McTwist 1260," he was listening to Guns N' Roses' "Paradise City" on his earbuds.

Since 2008 the Seattle Seahawks have employed an on-field DJ who spins tunes at top volume during practices.

So, for would-be athletes, nervous job applicants (note: remove earbuds before the interview!) and the slightly weary, cranking up tunes can be transformative!

Music's sound waves can actually alter your nervous system as your brain waves begin to resemble the sound waves you're hearing.

But choose your tunes carefully. Figure out what works best to produce the emotions and motivation you want in various situations.

It also can work to your benefit if the tunes are on the calmer side: We know that music can help reduce anxiety in cancer patients, ease patient stress during surgery (according to researchers from Dr. Mike's Cleveland Clinic) and promote healing.

Just one caution: Biking or rollerblading with earbuds can prevent you from being aware of what's around you. That can land you in the emergency room, where all you'll hear is the tweet-tweet of cartoon canaries.

© 2014 Michael Roizen, M.D. and Mehmet Oz, M.D.
Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.