Background noise!

[jolouburn]

Just wondering how many of you work with background noise? By background noise, I mean a radio on or the TV even if you are not listening or watching.

I always have at least music on and find I work best this way. I couldn't tell you what I've 'listened' to or what was on TV should I have that on but somehow it makes me more productive. 

[versailles]

Music. Often it is www.radioparadise.com

[richard_wein]

At the moment...only the sounds of seagulls and a distant lawn mower. Never music, or anything of my own choice. Ideally, just silence and a few natural sounds.

[jolouburn]

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@Richard W wrote:

At the moment...only the sounds of seagulls and a distant lawn mower. Never music, or anything of my own choice. Ideally, just silence and a few natural sounds.

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Natural sounds can be good too. If I'm working in the garden, which I do a lot at the moment, I don't always have music on. Sounds of the countryside, I live on a working farm in the middle of nowhere, are quite often enough for productive work.  

[petra_r]

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@Joanne B wrote:

I always have at least music on and find I work best this way. I couldn't tell you what I've 'listened' to or what was on TV should I have that on but somehow it makes me more productive. 

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 Same here. Otherwise any noise outside (cat / neighbours / car / birds) distracts me.

I can, however, only handle up to two languages at any given time. If I am working with English and German I can only have English or German background noise - if the background is in another language (I also also Italian and Spanish language TV) the

language center in my brain goes on strike.

[jr-translation]

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@Petra R wrote:

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@Joanne B wrote:

I always have at least music on and find I work best this way. I couldn't tell you what I've 'listened' to or what was on TV should I have that on but somehow it makes me more productive. 

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 Same here. Otherwise any noise outside (cat / neighbours / car / birds) distracts me.

I can, however, only handle up to two languages at any given time. If I am working with English and German I can only have English or German background noise - if the background is in another language (I also also Italian and Spanish language TV) the

language center in my brain goes on strike.

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 I am the opposite. I need a third language or I start typing what I hear.

I usually listen to music, mainly classic or soundtracks and then there is currently the sound of the fan.

[jolouburn]

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@Petra R wrote:

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@Joanne B wrote:

I always have at least music on and find I work best this way. I couldn't tell you what I've 'listened' to or what was on TV should I have that on but somehow it makes me more productive. 

---

 Same here. Otherwise any noise outside (cat / neighbours / car / birds) distracts me.

I can, however, only handle up to two languages at any given time. If I am working with English and German I can only have English or German background noise - if the background is in another language (I also also Italian and Spanish language TV) the

language center in my brain goes on strike.

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 I'm with you on other sounds being distracting. 

Hubby often asks how come I can work with the TV, music on but should his mobile phone ping or he plays a video on it I go mad! It drives him crazy. 

[booksist]

No way! I instantly get either absorbed or annoyed 😞

[digiphics]

I generally listen to either classical, 70's rock or EMD, but if a baseball game is on then it's on. I can't have the clicking of my mouse or keyboard clicks. I need constant musical notes flying around in my head or I will go insane. Unlike some of you that use laptops, I'm chained to a desk

[mwiggenhorn]

I often listen to music.  I read somewhere that Baroque music is most conducive to work and I find that's true.  On the other end of the spectrum, I often have the TV on...

[bruce_dodds]

In 1996 when I started working from home I read somewhere that listening to Mozart piano sonatas made you smarter.  I've been listening to them ever since, getting smarter and smarter.

[jefframlee]

Music. The faster the music. The faster I work.

I've tried soft, calming music before, but it doesn't work for me. My brain gets bored and shuts down.

[madison-russell]

Working in data entry, having background noise is an absolute must to avoid bashing my head into the desk. Currently, I listen to a lot of Twitch VODs or Youtube Let's Plays for various video games. I can glance at the game that is being played and listen to the commentary, and it's just enough to keep me from falling asleep but doesn't distract me. 

[millermelanie]

Sssssshhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!     

[datasciencewonk]

Music.

It helps me focus. But, any other type of background noise and my jimmies are rustled.