Music is not only a means of entertainment and expression: it can also encourage creativity and help you become more productive. Listening to music can also be therapeutic, easing feelings of stress so you can focus better.

research shows that certain types of music can be useful to listen to while working. Some types of music aid learning and improve the ability to process information, while others help block out distracting background noise. So if you're struggling with productivity and want to know what you should be listening to, here are seven types of music and playlists that will help you focus.

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1. Classical Music

Researchers have long claimed that listening to classical music can help people perform tasks more efficiently. This theory, which has been called “the Mozart effect“, suggests that listening to classical composers can improve brain activity and act as a catalyst for improved health and well-being. Miscellaneous studies have confirmed that listening to classical music enhances one's ability to manipulate shapes and solve spatial puzzles.

The lack of words in music may be a factor, as songs that contain lyrics have been found to be a distraction when trying to concentrate. Classical music is also known for calming and relaxation. Some selections, like Beethoven's “For Elise“, seems to help students study longer and retain more information. Here are some other classic choices you can use to increase productivity at work:

2. Music of Nature

Listening to nature sounds, such as lapping waves or a babbling brook, has been shown to improve cognitive function and concentration. Nature sounds work best when they are soothing sounds, such as running water or rain, while more jarring noises such as bird calls and animal noises can be distracting.

Researchers in Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have found that natural sounds increase mood and focus. The study found that employees were more productive and had more positive feelings when nature sounds played in the background while they worked. This may be because the sounds of nature helped mask harsher and more distracting noises, such as people talking or writing. The researchers also found that workers not only performed better on tasks, but soothing nature sounds improved overall brain function. Here are some choices to try:

3. Cinematic music

An intense movie score can make you feel like you're doing something inspiring or important, even if you're just ticking off your to-do list. A grand and epic soundtrack playing in the background can make even the most mundane tasks feel like you're changing the world, increasing your focus and productivity.

Cinematic music scores can empower you, lift your spirits, and lighten your mood. So if you're feeling tired and worn out, try listening to some epic cinematic music to give you that extra boost of motivation. Some great movie scores to try include:

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4. Video game music

It may seem strange, but listening to music composed for him video games it can be a great tool to help you focus. Every element of a video game is designed to create an enhanced gaming experience, and music is specially designed to help you focus on your task without being distracted by a cacophony of sounds.

This music generally has no lyrics or human voice and is fast enough to keep you going. Many of these video games involve solving puzzles and dealing with intense situations, so you are subjected to stressful simulated challenges. Video games have invested a lot of resources into finding the perfect soundtrack that will keep a player focused and motivated. .

Video game music is composed in a way that keeps you engaged as you appreciate, navigate, and often fight your way through these created worlds. These musical compositions may be just the thing to get you going and keep you on task with your tasks and daily to-do list. Here are some video game music picks to check out:

5. Music between 50 and 80 beats per minute

Some research suggests that it's not the type of music that's important in helping you stay focused and productive, but the tempo of that music. Studies have found that music with 50 to 80 beats per minute can enhance and stimulate creativity and learning. Dr. Emma Gray, a cognitive behavioral therapist, worked with Spotify on it explorative the benefits of certain types of music. She found that listening to music set in the range of 50-80 beats puts the brain in an “alpha state”.

What is an alpha state? If you've ever listened to music you're familiar with, only to find yourself deep in thought and not listening to the music at all, that's a music-induced alpha state. You're tuning in while tuning out.

It works best to find songs you are familiar with and set at 50 to 80 beats per minute. To do this, use a guide to count the number of “beats” in the first 15 seconds of a song and then multiply that number by four. Here is one playlist of songs in that range, including these popular tunes:

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6. Your favorite music

When it comes to tackling projects you're not really excited about, it can help to put on music that you like. Studies have shown that putting in your favorite type of music it can improve your mood and productivity.

Teresa Lesiuk, an assistant professor in the music therapy program at the University of Miami, found that personal choice in music is important when deciding what to listen to while working, especially for those who are moderately skilled at their jobs. Her research found that participants who listened to music they liked completed their tasks faster and came up with better ideas than those who didn't because the music helped them feel better and improved their mood.

The only time this was not true was if the music the participants were listening to was distracting, such as a very fast tempo or music with lyrics that caught their attention. So the next time you need to wade through a mountain of paperwork or stay focused on a task, try turning on your favorite tune.

7. Focus playlists

If you're looking for a little variety, there are countless playlists to YouTube AND Spotify specially curated to help you focus. t No matter what kind of work you're doing—writing, reading, studying, filling out spreadsheets, or something else—one of these playlists will do the trick.

to YouTube

Spotify