People have different preferences when it comes to playing music at work. Some people say that playing music distracts them from their tasks, so they prefer it nice and quiet. Others just plug in their earphones to drown out the office noise. Some swear that playing ambient music or instrumental music improves their creativity.

If you’re like me, you fall into the last category. My routine is to make myself a cup of tea, put on my headphones, and listen to ambient music or at least something that’s very familiar. Familiar songs are my go-to pick me upper. I try to stay away from music that has a different genre at work because I feel that listening to lyrics takes away from my focus.

It turns out, my listening habits are grounded on science! It is reported that ambient noise is essentially the creative sweet spot according to a study published in Oxford University Press. As long as it is at a low to moderate noise level, you’re good to go. I’ve also learned, from this study, that for intensive work, lyrics distract and take away your focus. Now I understand why I can’t listen to any new songs while doing creative work (like writing this article, so I’m currently listening to familiar songs)

Familiar songs are indeed best for focus. It is actually recommended that we listen to our usual playlists of go-to songs if we need to intensely focus on a task. You pay less attention to the song since you are already familiar with it and you still get the benefits of the dopamine released when you listen to your favorite track.

Music makes otherwise mundane or redundant tasks more enjoyable – as long as a task does not demand your full attention and is not fully immersive, like say for example, creative tasks.  Then studies show that playing background music while performing repetitive work increases your happiness and efficiency.

Playing music can be good for your productivity, but like most things, there is a perfect time to play and not play. Want to know the best time to play music and when dead air is most effective? Here’s a solid formula for when and when not to listen to music:

When doing a task that requires repetition: PLAY

Listening to music while doing a repetitive task relieves stress, improves focus, and enhances performance resulting to faster performance and fewer errors. This is why surgeons routinely play music in the operating room.

When you’re learning something new: STOP

For fully immersive tasks that require utmost concentration, keep it silent for a while. You need to analyze and remember facts and information. This is not the time for multitasking and your brain can misinterpret the information. Your brain might associate the data incorrectly or store  the wrong information. New music is especially dangerous because…words are distracting. So try to keep it quiet when you’re learning new things.

When your workplace is noisy: PLAY

Listening to music can actually help you concentrate on your work better by blocking out unessential input like hearing your co-workers discussing their plans for a fabulous weekend getaway. A noisy environment can cause stress and music can help increase dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine production.

Do you listen to music while working? What works for you? Please let us know in the comments. As always, remember to: Stay Humble, Hustle Hard. Good luck!

Written by Jaie O.- The Help