Reply To: Background Music While Working

[Anonymous]

Almost always! Depending on what I’m doing, I make my choice of music. For example, if I’m writing, I’ll usually pick something fairly quiet/ambient, just enough to cover distracting traffic noise or any other small stray sounds. If I’m in the shop, I usually have my ipod in the dock, but if I’m using the saws or other power tools I’ll put in earphones and listen. Any active work I’m doing, I’ll usually listen to something faster and more upbeat. I have playlists for different activities, mowing lawn, snowblowing, running, etc.

In the office, I’ll usually use an online streaming service such as 8Tracks, Pandora, etc. That way I’m not spending my time choosing music, once the “stations” are set up. I like to listen to talk radio as well, but that’s not compatible with working, it’s an either/or attention thing, and I’ll usually pick the radio.

If I’m alone at home doing housework (yeah, right! housework?!), I’ll usually pick some punk or rock and crank it up so I can hear it through most of the house.

I also have several 2-way radios scanning, I’ve learned to generally tune them out unless I hear something that needs my attention. I grew up in a house that had a radio scanner in every room (including the bathroom), plus at least one mechanical clock in most rooms. My friends could never sleep over at my house, the clocks chiming would drive them nuts, I never even noticed them.

Depends on what you do for work, I’ve found that with any more than 2 or 3 people, you’ll never find something to listen to that suits everyone. Headphones solve this if your job allows you to wear them. Generally earphones/headphones are a great thing for me to minimize distraction and help me stay on-task.

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