The Ultimate WFH Playlist to Power Through Your Workday
Maybe you’ve gotten accustomed to the sound of silence as you’re typing away on your laptop, or you’ve tried listening to music while you’re working, but nothing seems to click.
Luckily, corporate consultant-turned lecturer, writer, and musical expert Jeff Mims uses his experience in humanistic psychology research to provide plenty of advice on how to create the most stimulating and engaging work-from-home playlist possible.
The scientific benefits of music
“Music listening provides a range of benefits whether it be for work or for leisure,” Mims begins. “It helps to alter mood, heighten an individual’s focus on a specific task and can create a shared experience of connection and community.”
According to a 2019 study by Thrive Global, music aids in information retention as one is either studying or working. While it’s beneficial for everyone, it’s best for those who have trouble focusing, clearing their minds, or agonizing over details. And with the right music, you won’t just be absorbing more information, you’ll be able to utilize it in more innovative techniques.
“The mere presence of music generates new ideas and activates creativity and helps the brain think in abstract ways,” Mims adds. “Using music listening as a creative prompt to spark innovation and problem-solving solutions can positively impact workplace productivity for sure.” This works both on an emotional level and a neurochemical one – music’s effect on mood, anxiety and processing speed can certainly improve your mood, as the neurotransmitters in your brain are firing at a greater speed.
“Music and brain research suggests music stimulates human brain receptors which communicate with other parts of the body,” Mims says, as music can instigate adrenal secretion, giving you a boost of adrenaline (and maybe even goosebumps.) “Across the board, these benefits of music apply to any form of physical activity, from household chores to athletic training sessions.”
“Music helps to shape the way we view the world around us, allowing us a real-time coping mechanism,” Mims says. “Almost all of the recent studies on music and Alzheimer’s disease find that music helps to reduce memory loss.”
Listening to music also causes a flood of dopamine to the brain, and just like enjoying a great sandwich or getting a huge paycheck, it can stimulate a euphoric feeling.
Your personal playlist
Now you have scientific proof that music is great for your workflow. Now, you’ve got to figure out what music works best for you.
Everyone is different, and everyone has different psychological associations with music depending on their mood, culture, age, and numerous other factors. The wrong kind of music could have psychological and physiological effects, making you feel down, depressed, or sluggish. To get a better sense of what kind of music you need to work on, first, check-in with yourself and see what kind of mood you’re in.
“As for listener preference,” Mims suggests, “paying attention to your craving for a certain style or feel of music can be a great indication for what your current situation or your body needs. If you begin with mood alone, using music to create the desired mood for work projects can be impactful in ways that are not only meaningful to you but also your organization. With this knowledge of understanding the real power of music, one can check in with themselves emotionally, to explore which kind of music will elicit the most effective outcome.”
For the non-musical listener
You may be someone who isn’t necessarily interested in music, or you simply don’t know enough about it to know where to begin. If so, the first place you might want to turn to is classical music, as it’s shown to be effective in increasing concentration in research. But rather than a Chopin étude cramped with complicated, distracting piano runs, give your brain a break with a nice calming Mahler quartet or this uncharacteristically serene cello and piano sonata from Rachmaninoff.
Mims’ recommendation here is African harp music, as it’s as enlivening as it is head-clearing and serene.
For the speed demon
If you’re feeling energized and you’re looking for some fast-paced tunes, you’re not alone – speedy music can give you a bit of a neurotransmitter boost.
“Some people will feel stronger once their adrenaline kicks in after listening to some music,” Dr. Mims says. “It gives you an opportunity to lose yourself in the melodies while you work, making the experience more enjoyable.”
For instrumental rock with high-energy guitar riffs and powerful beats, Illuminate’s New Groove is a Japanese electro-rock espresso for those in the mood to power through their workday. However, make sure not to turn the volume up too loud, or you might find yourself dancing more than you’re typing.
“Although one can typically start with music they enjoy listening to,” Dr. Mims says, “some researchers suggest it is essential to keep ambient music at the 70% decibel level to help focus or increase creativity. Simply put, louder music can serve as a distraction when trying to focus and complete tasks.”
For the sleepyhead
Music that’s too relaxing makes you drowsy, but music that’s too stimulating just ends up sounding annoying. You’re looking for a middle-ground – something that keeps you awake and focused.
If you enjoy dramatic and enlivening arpeggios and twinkling synthesizers, but the snarling guitars and thumping beat feel a little too overwhelming, Madeon’s Good Faith is the Americano to Illuminate’s espresso – an ethereal techno album with a more meditative flow.
For those who need a light boost of energy without the distraction of vocals, Dr. Mims suggests diving into world music, namely instrument-heavy music like salsa – what he refers to as “heavily rhythmic and colorful.”
“It’s the kind of music that makes you want to dance and can inspire action, movement, and a feeling of just wanting to be productive,” Mims continues. “I would say try listening to some… heavily percussive polyrhythmic tunes, and don’t be surprised if you get inspired.”
Keeping your brain on your work
Let’s face it – even if working to music is fun if the music is too engrossing, sometimes it can create a rather entertaining distraction that feeds your daydreaming brain and starves you of your workflow. Rather than letting yourself get caught in a reverie, remember that picking music is about finding something to keep your mind on your work, not about discovering your new favorite artist. You can certainly enjoy what you’re listening to – in fact, it’s recommended that your choice of music doesn’t put you in a bad mood. But for some, ambient yet upbeat tunes are the safest option.
“Check out artists like Sona Jobarteh, and Emmet Cohen,” Mims concludes. “They come from completely different genres, but are similarly open and free to explore and inspire creativity through their sharing of music.”
