Where and how to find the perfect music for work

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

For many of us, music is inseparable from the work process: it can help fight boredom or focus on a difficult task. But which tracks make us as productive as possible? Here are some thoughts on this matter.

What the research says

Music helps you better cope with monotonous work

The effectiveness of using music depends on how much creativity a particular task requires.

If the task is obvious and not new to you, music can help you accomplish it. This was confirmed back in 1972. For example, assembly line operators were happier and more efficient when listening to music.

But the more modern Teresa Lesiuk questioned the fact that the observed effect is the merit of music. Rather, an improvement in mood after listening to a favorite track leads to a jump in productivity. Moreover, it is the major music that has the best effect.

Music helps you concentrate when it's noisy

An open office is designed to improve employee interaction. But noise can be too distracting for some people, making it difficult for them to immerse themselves in their work. In this case, headphones can save you from talkative colleagues at the next table. Research by Teresa Lesyuk has shown that those who listen to music in the office cope with tasks faster and more creatively. And the point here is in a good mood again.

However, some noise is required for creative work

It was presented in the Journal of Consumer Research which showed that moderate noise levels increase creativity. This is not about barking bass and squealing synths: if you need to immerse yourself in work, they will do more harm than good. 2015 proves that nature sounds like the sound of the surf are the best way to help you concentrate.

Compositions with words are not suitable for verbal problems

For tasks that don't require deep immersion, or for physical work, lyrics with lyrics can be very effective. But intensive work requiring high concentration, such compositions will interfere.

Applied Acoustics found that the worst distraction is words that you can clearly distinguish. This is why it is so difficult to concentrate in offices: the focus shifts to being aware of what others are talking about. 48% of study participants noted that chatting distracted them the most.

Trying to write while listening to songs, for example, is like trying to have a conversation while someone else is talking.

Only music that is familiar to you helps to work

New music is very distracting as you listen, expecting what will happen next. You don't have to pay so much attention to familiar compositions.

At the same time, exploring new music can have positive effects. New compositions are better suited for tasks that you are familiar with: when you just need to get things done.

What music to choose

First of all, the one that you like. If it's difficult to decide, this list will help you.

Classical music

First, it is without words. Plus, when it comes to popular classical compositions, these are the best pieces, selected by many generations. In 2009, the American Roentgen Ray Society showed that baroque melodies have a positive effect on mood and productivity.

But not all classical music works the same. The dramatic twists of Toccata and Fugue in D minor are not as useful for the job as the gentle twists of Für Elise.

Where to listen

• Reddit has a great one for newcomers to the classics.
• On 8tracks, you can search playlists by tags, for example.
• On Yandex. Music there is for lovers of the classics.
• "VKontakte": "" or "".
• On YouTube.

Electonic music

Calm directions of electronic music correspond to the spirit of the times and are monotonous in a good way.

Unlike the ups and downs of symphonic music, many electronic compositions are based only on a couple of motives. This limited melody helps to concentrate on work, and repetitive passages are not too distracting.

Where to listen

• On Reddit: threads or.
• The SoundCloud tracks.
• In iTunes, where a lot.
• "VKontakte": or "".
• On SoundCloud, where there is an infinite amount of this goodness, for example:

Music from video games

Game creators know very well when music makes the most of the player's experience without being too distracting.

One of the popular choices for music that helps you concentrate on Reddit is the SimCity soundtrack. It's pleasant enough and muted at the same time, so it's good for situations where you need to focus.

Where to listen

• On.
• On.
• On YouTube, for example from.
• Online radio like or.

More ideas

If the music is soft enough not to distract your attention and at the same time improves your mood, it may well be suitable for focused work.

Most of Lifehacker's editorial staff prefers to work accompanied by light electronic music:

• Alexey Ponomar recommends.
• Maria Verkhovtseva is a wonderful St. Petersburg label.
• Rakhim Davletkaliev -.
• I am musicians of a French ambient label.

An interesting playlist was suggested by Sergey Suyagin. Music with a post-apocalyptic mood perfectly creates the background and does not impose emotions at the same time:

But even more difficult directions can be effective:

• It helps Alexander Marfitsin to concentrate.
• Dmitry Cherenkov -.
• Iya Zorina and Nikolai Maslov unanimously noted the positive impact on the creative process.

After all, the main thing is that you like the music and energize you.

When there is no time to choose music

Even if you don't want to do music selection, headphones can still help you with your work, protecting you from external noise. You can also listen to white noise or nature sounds:

• : Quiet white noise is great when there are too many sounds around.
• suitable for those who love the sound of rain.
• will replace a real cat, if there is no one on your lap.
• Noisli is a background sound generator well known to Lifehacker readers.
• suitable for creating a coffee shop atmosphere.

The environment influences your behavior. Making a conscious choice of the sounds you use to fill your day will help create harmony in the workplace. Experiment and share your findings in the comments!