- Lo-Fi Hip Hop
Lo-Fi Hip Hop is a genre of music characterized by its mellow beats and soothing, repetitive rhythms. It’s often compared to elevator music, but with a modern twist. The relaxed vibe of Lo-Fi creates a calm and focused environment, making it easier to concentrate on tasks without feeling overwhelmed.
Examples:
- “Lofi Hip Hop Radio – Beats to Relax/Study To” on YouTube: A 24/7 live stream of relaxing Lo-Fi beats.
- “chillhop essentials” playlists on Spotify: A collection of curated Lo-Fi tracks that fit perfectly into your workday.
- Podcasts
Podcasts are a fantastic way to stay engaged and awake during routine tasks. Listening to someone talk can break the monotony and make mundane work feel more interesting.
Examples:
- Rotten Mango: This podcast is perfect for true crime enthusiasts, offering deep dives into fascinating and often chilling cases. Host Stephanie Soo narrates real-life crime stories with a mix of suspense and insightful commentary.
- Suburb Talks: For something more casual, this podcast features a group of friends engaging in fun, laid-back conversations about life, relationships, and everything in between. It feels like you’re right there in the room, chatting with them.
- Audiobooks
Audiobooks are a great choice when you want some background noise without needing to focus intently. They offer storytelling that can keep you company while you work.
Example:
- Percy Jackson & The Olympians by Rick Riordan: The adventures of Percy Jackson are both entertaining and immersive, providing a light-hearted escape while you work. Whether you’re revisiting the series or experiencing it for the first time, the narration offers a perfect balance of engagement and easy listening.
- Something Completely Unexpected
Sometimes, it’s the unexpected that works best. I’ve found that extremely noisy and chaotic sounds, like the Mario Kart soundtrack, can actually boost productivity, especially when working alone. This trend gained popularity on social media, and for good reason. The fast-paced, high-energy music taps into the psychology of urgency, creating a sense of momentum and drive that can help you power through tasks, much like how it keeps you on your toes in a race.
Examples:
- “Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Original Soundtrack” on YouTube: The high-energy tracks from this game are surprisingly effective at injecting a burst of energy into your workday.
- “Video Game Soundtracks” playlists on Spotify: Explore other chaotic and fast-paced game soundtracks like “DOOM (2016)” or “Sonic the Hedgehog” to keep that adrenaline pumping.
These are just a few of the auditory tools I use to stay productive. Experimenting with different types of sound can lead you to discover what works best for your work style.
What about you?
Share your favorite playlists, sounds, and links that help you stay productive on our new collaborative social platform, Endeverus. I’d love to hear what keeps you focused and energized during your workday!
