Are you struggling to concentrate while studying or working? You're not alone.
The constant distractions of modern life can make it difficult to concentrate on the task at hand. But what if we told you that there's a simple solution to this problem... music!
In fact, we've compiled a collection of the best relaxing instrumental music that is perfect for creating a calm and focused environment.
Not convinced? Read on to learn more about the power of listening to music for concentration benefits, and the best genres of music to listen to while studying.
Our Playlist
If you want to jump right into our playlist of concentration music, feel free to click here.
Our playlist is updated weekly to prioritize fresh sounds! Plus, we have over 1,000 of the best instrumental music that will help you focus for longer periods of time.
Not convinced? Sounds too good to be true?
Read on to learn more about the power of relaxing instrumental music when studying or working!
The Research
There is a growing body of research that supports the idea that music can have a positive impact on our ability to focus and concentrate.
Here are a few examples of academic studies that have found that certain types of music can help to reduce stress, improve memory, and increase overall cognitive function:
A study published in the journal PLOS One found that listening to relaxing music before performing a task can reduce stress and anxiety, resulting in improved performance.
A study published in the Journal of the Acoustical Society of America also found that listening to music can be a great way to reduce stress, even in more serious instances, such as PTSD.
A study published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology found that background music can have a positive effect on cognitive performance.
What Genre/Type of Music should I listen to when studying?
When it comes to study music, the type of music that is best to listen to can vary depending on personal preference and the task at hand.
However, studies have shown that the best option is instrumental music for studying, specifically lo-fi instrumentals. These can be a better option than listening to your typical favorite genre of music, as most people will have a more productive day with background sounds present to support the wandering part of their mind.
Lo-fi instrumentals (also commonly known as "study music") are a subgenre of electronic music that feature mellow beats, soothing melodies and a sparse amount of vocals.
They are often used as background music to help create a calm and focused environment, which can make it easier to focus on your tasks. The instrumental nature of the music is less likely to be distracted, acting as almost a while noise.
Another one of the main advantages of listening to lo-fi instrumentals while studying is that they can help to reduce stress and anxiety, allowing the listener to relax and focus better on the task at hand. Research has shown that listening to calming music can lead to a decrease in cortisol, the hormone associated with stress, and an increase in endorphins, the hormones associated with pleasure and happiness.
It's worth noting that personal preference and repetition play a big role as well. What may work for one person, may not work for another. So give lo-fi music a chance, but if it doesn't help your concentration, don't get discouraged.
Other Music Genres associated with Focus
Ambient, lo-fi instrumentals are our bread and butter. However, there are other options if you don't like this style of music that can still lead to a productive day.
1. Classical music
This genre is known for its calming and soothing effects, making it a great choice for studying or working. It's also been shown to improve cognitive function and increase productivity.
2. Jazz music
This genre is characterized by its improvisation, syncopation, and its complex, sophisticated harmonies. It's a great option for those who enjoy more complex and sophisticated music while working or studying.
3. World music
This genre encompasses a wide range of musical styles from around the world. It's a great option for those who enjoy a variety of sounds and rhythms, as it can help keep things interesting while working or studying.
4. Baroque music
This genre is characterized by its complex and ornate melodies, often associated with classical music. It's been shown to similarly help improve focus, brain power, and concentration as study music.
5. Nature Sounds
Lastly, although not quite a genre of music, these sounds are characterized by ambient soundscapes of nature, such as water flowing, birds chirping, and wind blowing. Nature sounds are known to have a calming effect, making them ideal for for studying or working.
Background Music is a form of Multi-Tasking
Let's take a break from the science, and just think about the effects of background music.
Nowadays with our technology-focused lives, multi-tasking has become a way of life. As humans, we are so used to doing two things at once that sometimes doing one thing can be difficult.
Listening to background music can be a form of multi-tasking as it allows your focus to shift a bit more and not just be solely focused on one task, meaning your mind is less likely to wander and lose focus.
Consider the relaxing study music an extra layer of focus, helping to improve productivity, brain power, and overall performance.
5 Final Tips for Listening to Music while Studying or Working
Let's summarize a few key factors when choosing the best relaxing music to listen to when studying or working.
1. Choose the right type of music.
Not all music is created equal. When you're trying to focus, as discussed, it's important to choose music that won't be too distracting. Stay away from music with lyrics, as you'll likely find yourself singing along instead of paying attention to what you're supposed to be doing. Instead, opt for instrumental music or nature sounds.
2. Keep the volume at a moderate level.
If the music is too loud, it will be more difficult to concentrate. Alternatively, if it's too quiet, you may find yourself straining to hear it over background noise. aim for a volume that's just loud enough that you can still focus on what you're doing without getting distracted by the music itself.
3. Create or choose a playlist ahead of time.
Don't waste time trying to figure out what to listen to while you're trying to work or study. Instead, create a playlist ahead of time so you can just hit play and get started. This way, you won't have to think about what to listen to, and you can just focus on getting things done. Or, just rock with our go-to with over 40 hours of relaxing meditation music. To listen now, click here.
4. Use headphones.
Using headphones can help to create a more immersive listening experience and block out external distractions. Plus, if you if you are in a noisy environment and need to block out external sounds, most newer headphones have noise-canceling features, which help obviously help your concentration.
5. Experiment with different genres and styles of music.
As mentioned, what works for one person may not work for another when it comes to finding focus-enhancing music. As such, it's important to experiment with different genres and styles of music until you find something that works for your brain power. Don't be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone – you may be surprised at what helps you focus best. Although, in general, we would recommend avoiding upbeat music and any songs with lyrics.
Bonus Tip: Consider using a focus-enhancing app.
There are a number of apps available that are designed specifically for helping people focus while working or studying. These apps usually allow you to set timers and provide distraction-free listening experiences. If you find it difficult to focus with regular music, an app like this may be worth trying out.
For example, potential apps include Pomodoro, Study Bunny, Emphasis, Calm, and Focus Keeper. However, there are many options to explore on your App Store or Google Play Store.
In Conclusion
Ultimately, there is a growing body of research that supports the idea that music can have a positive impact on our ability to focus and concentrate. Our collection of relaxing instrumental music, specifically lo-fi instrumentals, can be a great option for creating a calm and focused environment for longer periods of time while studying or working.
Overall, listening to background music can boost productivity and focus. Give it a try and see how it works for you. Happy listening!
Or, check out a suggested blog of ours below!