Clearly, I am not satisfied with these few and far between days. So I did some personal research on listening to music while working. Here's what I've found so far:
Major Finding: Different tasks require different music
Depending on what you are trying to accomplish, various types of music can help or hinder your concentration. I started experimenting after I found this guide about what types of music are best to listen to, based on the job you have.
My day to day life in grad school can be split into three main task categories: Programming/Coding, Data Analysis, and Writing. For each of these, I have a specific style of music I listen to, to help me focus.
For programming & coding, I find that techno style music works best. Recently, I've taken my dose of techno in the form of European club mixes. Programming uses up a lot of my higher-level brain function, and I easily get burnt out after working through a problem. With techno-style music in the background, my coding thoughts get into a rhythm in sync with the beat. So even if I finish off a rather difficult section of code, as long as the music is still going, my brain wants to keep working in the same way. I no longer have to use more effort to stay at the same level of thinking.
| This is what programming feels like with the right music. |
Last on my list is writing. I used to be able to write with any sort of background music. But, as my writing got more technical and scientific, music became more distracting than helpful. My latest find is an ambient music mixer. You can listen (for free!) to a variety of ambient sounds, choosing what works best for you. If you love working in a coffee shop with the hum and buzz of conversation, but are too poor for steady drink refills, you can just turn this on at your desk. My personal favorite is the sound of rain and thunderstorms. Especially since rainy days make people more productive.
Overall, my results from this experiment are very positive. Switching up music types helps get my brain in gear for the task at hand, and helps me stick with it longer. I have noticed that the change in productivity during a session of say programming, or writing, is not really that large. Instead, I see the most improvement in my consistency. I get a little more done each day, and it is much easier to come back to it again the next day.
As a poor, broke graduate student, I recommend getting your music from a free source. I use Pandora to randomize and discover new artists, and Grooveshark when I know exactly what I'm looking for. Or, find your own source.
So, have you discovered any types of music that help your productivity? And, since I stay behind my computer all day, what would be a good type of music for lab or field work?
