Sounds for focus

The best sound for work is often the one you forget is playing. Many people reach for a steady hum, such as a fan, an air conditioner or a flat machine drone, because it fills the room without a tune or words to follow. Others prefer a light rhythm, like a clock or a gentle tick, to pace a task. Slow tones and drifting pads give a quiet, wide backdrop for reading and writing. Anything with voices or a strong melody can pull your attention away, so it is worth testing a sound for twenty minutes before you decide. Keep the volume low, and change sounds if one starts to feel tiring.