In the workplace, whether it’s our home office or we’re lumped in with our colleagues, distractions pose a real problem. It’s not easy to work when you’re distracted and there are plenty of distractions around us. Other people talking, cats vying for your attention, sounds of neighbours mowing their garden inexplicably at 10 am and far more. While some of us may get occupied in our work and mentally block out all distractions, the rest of us are not so fortunate. One way many people focus is actually through listening to music. At first, this may sound counterproductive. But in fact, listening to music whilst working can actually improve your focus and overall mood, while also reducing stress and anxiety.
Music Improves Mood
It’s well known that music can impact the way we feel. Some melodies can bring a tear to our eye, others can enrage us and motivate us. Knowing how you personally respond to different types of music can help put you in control of your emotions in the workplace. For example, if you are having a lethargic day, or having a sad time at home in your personal life, listening to lifting music can help you stay focused on the task in hand. Similarly, if you have just exited a stressful work meeting and feel angry at your boss or colleagues, listening to soothing music that calms you down could prevent you from saying or doing something you regret. Basically, music acts as a restoration of your equilibrium - and when you work at home, you are your own DJ!
As such, we want to give you some of our favourite types of music to listen to whilst working so that you can block out distractions and get some work done, even in the most distracting circumstances. We also want to help improve your mood through the use of music. Just make sure you use headphones if you’re in a shared working space. No one likes that person.
Listen to Lo-Fi
Lo-Fi is perhaps the most popular music to listen to during office hours. Appearing in the 80’s and 90’s, Lo-Fi refers to music with a flawed sound quality, lower than your standard professional music. As a genre, it includes various electronic music such as Lo-Fi hip-hop, synthwave and chillwave. The best thing about Lo-Fi is there are thousands of playlists available on YouTube that will play for hours on end. Not only that, but the vast majority of Lo-Fi music doesn’t include words which help to make it far less distracting.
Truly, the best way to find out if Lo-Fi helps you focus is to plug in your headphones and try a playlist or two during the day. Another great thing about Lo-Fi is the options available. On top of having many varied subgenres, there are also Lo-Fi playlists created around moods and tasks. Whether that’s studying, waking up in the morning or even working with a headache. There’s something for everyone.
Instrumental Versions of Your Favourite Songs
Following on with the non-verbal trend we’ve got going here, why not try listening to instrumental versions of your favourite songs or artists? Songs that include words are inevitably going to distract from what you’re doing. Especially if you’re doing something that requires a great deal of focus or writing. The last thing you want to do is embed lyrics from your favourite artist in the middle of that email you’re writing. Instrumental versions of songs carry a lot of the same emotional weight without any of the distractions. Our top tip is to try acoustic or piano-only versions. You can thank us later.
Songs with Fast Tempo
Now this one’s a little left field. Songs with a faster tempo are more likely to distract you than their slower counterparts. But if you’re having trouble getting motivated or you’re leading up to a big presentation or meeting, something with a bit more of a kick may be just what you need. Think hip-hop, dance or club music and let us know how it goes. Also, if you have ADHD, up-tempo tunes can help to stimulate that part of your brain which then allows you to focus more on your work. Try it!
Remove All Office Distractions
Music can certainly help you remove distractions, but there’s no worse distraction than back and neck pain. If you are in pain, music is not going to help you. If you agree, browse our range of ergonomically designed office furniture including ergonomic chairs and height-adjustable desks. What better way than to really get stuck into your work than with your favourite Lo-Fi hip-hop playlist, a morning coffee and a standing desk?
If you need any help choosing the right furniture for your office or have any questions about ergonomically designed products, get in touch with us.