Everyone has suffered from having the same song stuck in their heads for hours on end. Christmas songs are the worst! You hear one on the radio for two seconds and find yourself singing it all day. Why does this happen?

Good news: Scientists are on it.

Studies have shown that you're more likely to get a song stuck in your head while showering, getting dressed, or doing other idle activities. That's because your brain isn't working as hard during these activities, so it tries to entertain itself. And it usually entertains itself with songs to match your mood.

You may also find yourself with a song stuck in your head if you see an image that you associate with that song. Ever met a girl named Stacy and wondered if her mom has it going on?

Most people find that only a small part of the song repeats in their heads. That's because we only have so much room in our brains to store auditory information and it's more irritating.

If you'd like to know more, like what part of your brain is triggered when you hear certain songs, you can read about it in this Wall Street Journal article. If you aren't into that kind of stuff, you can start reading it, get bored, and then your brain will summon up the most annoying song you've ever heard to entertain itself, which you will hum out loud for three days straight.

How to get that song out of your head:

  • Chew Gum

    This actually came from a scientific study. One-third of the test subjects didn't get songs stuck in their heads by chewing gum while listening.

  • Listen To the Whole Song

    Because we all need closure.

  • Keep Yourself Busy

    Do something that requires brain power.

  • Turn It Into Another Song

    Watch "Pitch Perfect" for some ideas on what songs have matching beats.

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