Discover how people across the world use sound—music, nature, silence—to enhance focus, creativity, and emotional well-being during work. A deep reflection on the sounds that shape our work life.

What Do You Listen to While You Work? | Music, Nature, Silence & Productivity

The sounds we choose reflect our inner world, enhance productivity, shape our mental state, and affect our emotions. If you had asked me ten years ago whether I believed that, I wouldn’t have been so quick to agree as I am today. It’s not entirely because of my faith, but because of where my emotions and imagination go when I listen to different types of music.
Music has the power to change how I feel far too easily—maybe that’s just a me thing. However, I’ve seen its effect on friends and at the churches I’ve attended. The lyrics and melodies can stir me into getting up, doing the dishes, tidying up—or even writing this. Right now, a fast song is playing on Spotify: “Numb” by Veridia. It has an upbeat rhythm and plays on a playlist called “Feeling GOOD Christian Mix.” It’s a pretty good playlist overall, though it’s not one of the EDM or Dubstep ones that affect me more intensely. I want to feel energetic and productive (I’m someone who always feels I need to be doing something useful), especially after a dull and long morning of classes—even if I did learn something new in MS Word.
Certain songs by Crowder have brought me to tears and inspired me to rise like a warrior, ready to fight the enemy in the name of Jesus. When I put in my earbuds, the music becomes a part of me. I’ve been at worship nights at Mountain Park Church where a soft but moving song was playing. I leaned forward, resting on the chair in front of me, and in my mind’s eye, it felt like I was dancing hand-to-hand, chest-to-chest with Jesus. Music is powerful!
At night, I fall asleep to the sound of crickets or distant storms—nature sounds without words or commercials. I loathe commercials and abrupt breaks. When my husband was around, we used a fan that mostly blew on him. But once it was just me and the cats, I quickly transitioned to a Spotify account. I’m confident I’ve listened to most of their chill playlists over the years. That calming music helps me let go of the day’s issues and eases me into sleep. On summer nights, with the bedroom AC running, the hum becomes a form of white noise. The night storms and crickets are sometimes drowned out by the AC’s gentle drone.
I used to struggle with silence, but since starting my classes last September, I’ve greatly improved. My mind no longer spins into overdrive, racing through a hundred tasks or overthinking past conversations. In a way, silence has its own sound. It invites focus and presence—it gives space to breathe.
I miss the days when movies had their own unique playlists that perfectly captured their essence. Over the years, I’ve made countless playlists for the worlds I’ve imagined, spending hours finding just the right songs.
I can’t say I’ve experienced writing or working in a café all that often. I did go to the library last September, but I wasn’t fond of it. It felt too exposed—anyone could see what was on my screen. I didn’t (and still don’t) feel safe enough to fully enter “the zone” with people around. Maybe that sounds overly cautious, but I like to stay aware of my surroundings. I’m not particularly fond of wearing earbuds in public either. Music distracts me, and I worry I won’t hear if someone approaches from behind.
Whether its nature sounds for work, music for productivity, or just ambient noise playing in the background, it’s wise to be aware of your emotions and mental state while listening. Being intentional with what you hear makes you more mindful and can offer comfort.
Do you have music playing all the time, like I often do? Or do you prefer silence or podcasts? I used to be really into podcasts, but lately, I haven’t found any that hold my attention. What’s your go-to sound? I’d love to hear from you.