Why does ambient noise sometimes improve productivity?
As I ponder this question, I am listening to country music in the background. I am very, very unsure of the artist and song. However, it produces just the right amount of noise to block out the chitter-chatter of the coffee shop. Additionally, it has put me into my own little bubble, allowing me to concentrate and get this article written.
The phenomenon of ambient noise boasting productivity certainly has its roots in neuroscience. Exploring this topic below, I hope to propose a range of reasons why it helps improve working, productivity, and concentration and some practical solutions.
Silence Signals Danger
A cliche of Hollywood and personal survival stories, especially when predators attack is the signal of danger through silence.
The forest will proverbially go quiet when a large predator is walking through the forest.
The human subconscious brain is constantly scanning the environment passively in the subconscious for threats, and one of the big tell-tale signs a threat is approaching is silence. It puts the human body and mind in an alert mood before your conscious brain is even aware of the threat or signs of threat.
So if we are looking to concentrate and focus, deadly silence (appropriately worded it seems) will have our mind worried, frightened and anxiously looking for the threat or danger. This will damage our ability to concentrate.
For this reason, it makes sense that low-level ambient noise would help the mind concentrate and focus.
Cognitive Engagement and Stimulation
There is another branch of theory that states that the human mind needs a certain level of stimulation and engagement to work effectively.
In a way, this makes sense when looking at the silence signals danger. So a certain level of background noise will allow the more primaeval parts of the brain to relax and allow the higher level of executive functioning and creative processes to begin.
The way I view this is to see ambient noise as a lubricant within the engine of the brain, helping to keep the bits we need to work effectively running smoothly.
Leveling Out
Ambient noise is an effective way of reducing the variance of noise in an environment, whether it is an office, a pub or a coffee shop.
Just imagine you are in a coffee shop right now, What noises are taking place, people talking, baristas banging on those magical coffee machines, the dog licking itself, the noisy couple having a loud discussion.
This noise peaks and troughs and can be distracting, however, add some background noise, and all the peaks and troughs are reduced and the brain has a more constant noise that it subconsciously can focus on.
Practical Solutions
The above provides a range of reasons that we find ambient noise useful. However, academic knowledge is useless without application, so below I have proposed a solution based on the above.
If you are looking for low-level ambient noise, I can suggest either going to a coffee shop or co-working space or this You Tube Video.
This is a great way to stimulate the background noise that you need.
There is of course a wide range of background noises that you can listen to depending upon your tastes. Feel free to email me at joseph@homeworkinghenry.com
However, if you are looking for a more natural ambient noise, why not pop down to your local cafe?
TL:DR
Ambient noise can boost productivity by preventing the brain from associating silence with danger, providing cognitive stimulation, and levelling out distracting background sounds.
A moderate level of noise helps the brain relax and focus, acting as a "lubricant" for cognitive processes. To harness this effect, try working in a coffee shop, or co-working space, or using background noise generators like YouTube videos.
Further Reading
This article was put together using a range of books and internet sources
I can suggest a couple of very good books on neuroscience and our brains How Our Brain Works and Brain Rules
You can also read more about the above topics below:
You can read more about the Brain and Silence here, here and here.
And you can read more about Cognative Engagement here, here and here.
Thank you for taking the time to read this article. We appreciate it.
We have also written a number of books, which you can view here.
We have also created a number of digital resources, which you can view here.
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