Oftentimes we’ve innumerable distractions at the job competing for our attention. Fortunately, music can help put us back on a more productive track.

Studies out of the University or college of Birmingham, England, show that music is effective in raising efficiency in repetitive work – so if you’re mindlessly checking email or filling out a spreadsheet, adding some tunes will make your task go by that much faster.

But when it comes to tasks that require more brainpower, finding that perfect playlist is not so easy. Luckily, we have science at our disposal to help.

Based on some of what we know about how music affects productivity, you should try funnelling this kind of music through your headphones the next time you’re feeling unproductive:

Songs that include sounds of nature

Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute recently discovered that adding a natural element could boost moods and focus.

Sounds of nature can mask intelligible speech just as well as white noise while also enhancing cognitive functioning, optimising the ability to concentrate, and increasing overall worker satisfaction, the researchers found. The mountain stream sound researchers used in their study also possessed enough randomness that it didn’t distract test subjects.

You could attempt hearing recordings of nature sounds simply, or check out this tranquil vocals that incorporates sounds of water:

Songs you love

Hearing music you prefer can cause you to feel better. Teresa Lesiuk, an assistant teacher in the music treatment method program at the School of Miami, discovered that personal choice in music is important, in those who find themselves moderately skilled at their careers especially.

Generally participants in her studies who paid attention to music they enjoyed completed their duties quicker and developed better ideas than those who didn’t because the music improved their mood.

“When you’re stressed, you might make a decision more hastily; you have a very narrow focus of attention, ” she told the New York Times. “When you’re in a positive mood, you’re able to take in more options. ”

 

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