Lo-fi music has become a staple for students wishing to block out the rest of the world during intense study sessions. But Lo-fi (or low fidelity) music can help anyone focus better and get into a “deep work” zone.
While these relaxed jazzy beats might not be for everyone, the tone, style, and tiny snippets of “real world” sounds are the key to helping you zone out. But what makes this seemingly “imperfect” music so effective in aiding concentration?
The answer lies in Lo-fi’s ability to address several key challenges that hinder focus.
Pexels
It reduces distraction
Unlike music with lyrics that snag our attention, lo-fi music’s instrumental music doesn’t grab our attention and keep it there. Instead, the gentle rhythm of the music provides a soothing backdrop that allows us to concentrate.
Keeps us calm
The gentle rhythm and melodies also keep us calm. While some might find the tempo annoying at first, the slowness, which is usually between 60 and 90 beats per minute, has its purpose. It mimics the relaxed heartbeat, which tricks our brains into lowering stress levels and providing us with a sense of peace.
It can also help reduce anxiety, which can help us settle and sort out our busy minds.
ALSO SEE: Natural ways to lift your energy levels
Blocks out the noisy world
As with most music, it blocks out most background noise but helps us home in on the task in front of us. However, thanks to the consistent flow of calming melodies, it does a better job than music with lyrics. And you won’t need to put it on full blast to reap the benefits, which is far better for your hearing health.
Pexels
The repetition improves focus
The repetitive nature of lo-fi music acts like a mental metronome. The recurring patterns provide a subtle anchor for attention, keeping the mind engaged without overstimulating it – which remains a key problem with other types of music.
In turn, you go into a steady state of focus for longer periods, allowing you to work on demanding tasks without draining you too much.
Boosts our mood
Lo-fi beats can also help boost our moods! The music often has a laid-back video and can sometimes invoke a sense of nostalgia, especially when it incorporates some “real world” sounds like rain. Together calms the mind and boosts our mood.
From there, it ‘tricks’ the brain into thinking it’s in a more pleasant work environment, improving our concentration tenfold.
But …
There’s always a but, unfortunately. As wonderful as lo-fi music is it isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Some might even find the jazzy beats with the injection of rain and real-world sounds distracting. Or the music just doesn’t put them in a calm state.
For many though, lo-fi music is the only thing that allows them to enter a deep-focus mindset.
Pexels
The beauty of it is that you can just try it and see if it works! There is a myriad of YouTube channels out there dedicated to lo-fi music, covering different genres and themes. The most popular is of course Lo-fi Girl. But my favourites are the Harry Potter-themed ones!
ALSO SEE:
Featured Image: Instagram | @lofigirl
