Chill Music to Get Things Done
The right music/sound selection can be the perfect mood tool to tackle procrastination and daunting projects. My music selection has evolved as I understand my brain better. Maybe it’s time for yours to change, too.
Table of Contents
- Mellow music genre
- Find intense focus with forces of nature
- Music for studying
- Binaural beats to lower stress
- Tempt yourself with a sweet brain vacation
- Movies as background sound
- White noise
- Conclusion
Mellow music genre
This is my favorite email-checking music (with rain). I almost always prefer music without words, but we all can admit the right song can really chill us out.
There’s even a name for it – Lofi pop. Lofi pop is a genre of music characterized by chill, often instrumental beats, often associated with studying, relaxation, or sleep. It’s a subgenre of lo-fi, which emphasizes low-fidelity production and a relaxed, sometimes nostalgic, atmosphere. Lofi pop often incorporates elements of hip-hop, jazz, and even anime-inspired aesthetics.
To quote one user, “It’s like I have come into a paradise and the world becomes lighter, warm, and comfortable.” The soothing voices of Barry White, Al Green & Marvin Gaye: The Best of 70s Soul Music is one way to get into the zone fast.
Find intense focus with forces of nature
Sometimes there is just no way around it. When you need intense focus, it takes intense sounds to match it. Search for thunderstorms, heavy rain, howling winds and blizzards to reach a deep focus state needed for study, relaxation or just for sleep.
Music for studying
My go-to for studying or sinking into a project is classical music. In particular, my brain responds to the deeper-tone strings, like the oboe. I’m not a great fan of piano, for whatever reason. When I want to change it up, I search for “accoustical guitar pop songs.”
You do you. But pay attention to which types your brain tends to respond to more easily. You might be surprised at the subtle differences.
Binaural beats to lower stress
Binaural beats are said to provide many of the same benefits as meditation: lower stress, increase focus, aid with sleep and relaxation, boost mood, assist with pain management, and foster creativity. However, some of these claims are preliminary or not yet supported by scientific evidence.
Basically, pair the search term “binaural beats” plus any effect you desire, such as focus or creativity. You really have to have head phones on to enjoy the benefits. With such titles as “Quantum focus” the creators will do anything to catch your Youtube attention span.
Tempt yourself with a sweet brain vacation
Add another element to your sounds of choice: a brain escape. Enjoy epic scenery, quaint coffee shops, even enter into a world of fantasy with favorite movie themes.
Movies as background sound
You have to be careful with this one. The trick is to pick a movie that won’t pull you in. I prefer mindless romcoms (romantic comedies). If I have to step away or get interrupted, there is no attraction to even rewind the darn things. But I do like some chatter in the background sometimes, especially if I am doing a boring, monotonous project.
Some good old Harry Potter can serve as a distraction, or any cinematic video that you’ve watched so many times, you know the ending. Don’t overlook vintage movies, they cast a mellow vibe that can help put you in the right mood for the right project.
White noise
Don’t forget, you can always go back to the basics: static noise. Even this type of noise has value to the focus-challenged mind.
Conclusion
I hope I’ve opened a whole new world of relaxing listening alternatives. Make it a fun adventure and hunt for the music that most inspires you!
