For anyone looking for a productivity boost or a natural focus-enhancement, music can help one get more done and stay more focused while in the process. Is it any wonder why so many financial markets traders, creative artists, designers, computer programmers, and athletes are always plugged in? However, not every genre or style of music will assist in focus, concentration, or mood elevation.

Studies have found that songs and sounds of nature have been shown to elevate mood and decrease stress, both of which are states of distraction and poor decision-making. Other studies suggest instrumental songs, or songs without lyrics, are the most supportive of productivity, as roughly 48% of office workers reported being distracted by speech. In addition to strictly instrumental, hone in on music with music with tempo that matches your desired mood or activity level. If your work requires you to be more upbeat, try listening to up-tempo music that matches this pace. One study found that subjects reported a dramatic reduction in stress and increased physical relaxation when listening to music played around 60 BPM, which, in classical musical terms, translates to ‘not very fast’ or ‘somewhat slowly.’ All this being said, don’t distract yourself with cranking up the music noise level too loud, and enjoy the beats while you lose track of time.