3 Ways to Concentrate When There's Noise

2024 Author: Samantha Chapman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 09:13

Your neighbor loves heavy metal, but you have to study for an exam… Everyone will have been working in a noisy environment and having difficulty concentrating. There is a direct relationship between background noise and stress. This article will walk you through several ways to combat noise and claim your peace of mind and focus.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Coping with a Noisy Environment

Step 1. Use earplugs or headphones that cancel out background noise

The plugs are inexpensive and effective in eliminating external noise. Noise-isolating headphones are more expensive, but can be a good replacement or be used in conjunction with earplugs.

• If you are in the office, in a study environment or otherwise frequented by other people, sometimes you should explain why you are using earplugs or headphones. Reassure others that they can still talk to you. Encourage them to pat you on the shoulder, get close to you so you can see them, or get your attention in other ways. Of course, if you are at work, make sure your boss gives you permission to do so.
• There are different types of earplugs, headphones and devices that cancel background noise. Experiment to find the method that works best for you - everyone has their preferences.

Step 2. Organize your work differently

Try to figure out the times when the noise becomes particularly annoying and take care of the easier tasks at those times. If you are at work and need more concentration, try going to the library, a different office, or a conference room.

It is not always possible to leave your desk. If there is absolutely nothing you can do to remedy the noise, sometimes the best solution is to accept it and adapt

Step 3. Listen to some music

If you can think, concentrate, and study when listening to music, this technique can be excellent for canceling out background noises. Wordless music, such as classical, trance, or ambient music, is often best for promoting good concentration.

• Consider the volume. If the music is too loud, you will not be able to concentrate and risk annoying your colleagues.

  

• Alternatively, try white noise. It is a static noise used to block out background sounds. It is commonly used with children. If you don't like it, try pink, gray, or brown noise. You can easily find them on the internet or download a mobile app.

• Put your headphones on, but don't listen to anything else. For some, wearing headphones is enough to muffle sounds and focus, without combining them with other methods.

  

Step 4. Take a break from the noise and relax

Background noises can be extremely stressful and harmful to health. A good way to regain focus is to take a short break, walk for a few minutes, or go to the bathroom. You can also try different techniques to calm yourself down.

• Sit comfortably, breathe deeply and slowly. Once this breathing comes naturally to you, close your eyes and focus on something relaxing. Do this for at least 10 minutes.

  

• You can also try to relax the muscles of the body. Sit comfortably and do some facial gymnastics. Gently rotate your head and move your shoulders. Stretch your arms and legs, rotate your wrists and hands.

  

Method 2 of 3: Adapt the Surrounding Environment

Step 1. Try to fix the problem

If you cannot avoid the noise, for example if someone keeps the radio on while you are at work, you may want to speak politely with the person concerned. Anyone who is in a study or work environment should feel comfortable - you may even find that you are not the only one having this difficulty.

• If your coworkers refuse to keep noise to a minimum, try to talk to the HR department.
• If the problem is caused by your neighbors, always keep calm and be polite. Quarrels between neighbors can quickly escalate.

Step 2. Arrange the room to block outside noise

It is a short-term strategy to isolate where you live or work. Make sure doors and windows are closed. Sounds usually penetrate through holes and openings. The following ideas can help you reduce background noise:

• Placing strategic barriers can reduce distracting noises. Before going to bed, put some pillows next to a wall to absorb the sounds coming from the other side of the wall.
• Buy thermal curtains. They block the heat that comes from the outside, but also the sounds.

• Put a carpet on the floor to block out the sounds coming from downstairs.

  

Step 3. Talk to a professional

If you work from home and the facility is yours, you can call an expert to soundproof the room. This solution will be expensive, but it will also give you more freedom and a satisfying and lasting result.

• There are several methods of soundproofing a home. It is possible to install insulation panels on the walls and put rubber mats on the floor.
• Always ask for a quote and call several professionals to compare them. Don't choose the first one you find and try to bargain on the price.

Step 4. Relocate

Moving away from a rented house or apartment may seem like a drastic solution, but if background noises are poisoning your life and you work from home, it can be the simplest long-term remedy. You need to take care of your health and avoid stress.

• Plan your transfer correctly. Ideally, you should look for a house in a different neighborhood and investigate the noise in the area - you certainly don't want to move to a noisy place! If you find a house you like, visit it at different times of the day to make sure the noise disturbance level is acceptable.
• Identify possible problems. Don't move near a stadium or nightclub. Avoid bars and places with high concentrations of students.

Method 3 of 3: Promote Focus with a Healthy Lifestyle

Step 1. Make sure you are not hungry or thirsty

These sensations prevent you from concentrating well and make you more vulnerable to external stimuli, such as noises.

• Try to eat healthy. High blood sugar has been shown to negatively impact concentration. Consumption of junk food is also associated with a decline in attention.

  

• Drink lots of water. It's good for the body. According to research, it also promotes the ability to focus.

Step 2. Avoid stimulants like coffee, energy drinks, sugar, and tea

Caffeine fires up immediately after consumption, but the benefit is generally short-lived. In some cases it can trigger withdrawal symptoms, with symptoms including headaches and difficulty concentrating.

Step 3. Try to sleep well

Sleep deprivation impairs concentration and increases sensitivity to background noise. If you work in a noisy environment, you need to go there well rested.

Step 4. Relax when you are not working

If the noise is very stressful, try to unplug at home. You could try aromatherapy or get a massage. A person's overall well-being has an inevitable and direct impact on their ability to tolerate external noises.

• Sport is perfect for relaxing muscles and body.
• Go out with your friends and try to forget the work environment. Don't get obsessed with noise.
• If you can't relax anymore, talk to a doctor. Stress and noise can cause a nervous breakdown, so it may be time to unplug.