Top tips to block out background noise distractions

By:Liesbeth Keuninckx

Key takeaways:

  • Background noise can significantly affect your concentration levels, leading to decreased productivity and increased stress levels.
  • But there are ways to focus with noise around you, including using noise-reducing earplugs, creating a focused environment and listening to ambient music to reduce stress levels.
  • You can also explore alternative work environments such as libraries, coworking spaces, or quiet cafes to escape distracting background noise and maintain focus.

No one likes a finger-tapper. Or someone with a loud, grating laugh. Or the worst of all, a lip-smacking chewer.  

But for some, that kind of background noise is more than a mild irritant – it means that their ability to concentrate becomes non-existent. 

But does background noise really affect concentration?

Yes – and it’s a bigger problem than you might think. In fact, the link between background noise and concentration is real and can have a huge effect on productivity and stress levels.

The way it affects each of us is completely different. For some, sounds made by other people can have such an extreme effect it’s like an auditory assault (think back to our loud chewer from earlier). This is a condition called misophonia, and it can trigger feelings of extreme anxiety, rage, or panic.  

And as well as causing distress, if you dislike background noise, it can also lead to decreased productivity, an increase in stress levels, and mean you find it difficult to stay focused.

So if you’re finding it difficult to concentrate in a noisy space, whether it be at work,  your home office, or even a coffee shop, the good news is there are ways to help you cope. Keep reading for our top tips on how to block out background noise, helping to enhance concentration and improve your overall wellbeing.

1. Create a calm and organized workspace

The environment you work in can have a huge impact on concentration levels. That’s why it’s important to create a calm environment that’s free from any unnecessary clutter and distractions. A tidy environment can help to keep your mind clear, reducing distractions and enhancing focus. 

More on noise sensitivity

If you have a messy, cluttered workspace, you may already be feeling on edge – which means that background noise can have a bigger impact on you than it otherwise would. But when your surroundings are organized, it can help reduce feelings of stress or overwhelm, allowing you to approach tasks with a clearer mind and increased productivity.

Some ways to optimize your space include:

  • Remove any items from your space that you don’t need, or don’t use regularly – this could include old papers, broken items, stacks of old notebooks, or decorative items that don’t bring you any joy.
  • Invest in storage solutions such as bins, shelves, drawers or organizers to help keep your workspace tidy. Use these to store essential items like pens, notebooks, and files in an organized manner.
  • Avoid piling papers, books, or other items on your desk or work surfaces.
  • Set aside time regularly to clean and tidy your workspace. This could be a daily quick tidying session or a weekly deep clean, depending on your needs.

It’s also a good idea to remove any distractions from your workspace. That includes your phone! If you find yourself scrolling during work hours, put your phone in a drawer and only allow yourself to take it out on breaks. 

2. Consider noise-reduction earplugs

Earplugs are a great way to cancel out unwanted noise, in any environment. At Loop, we have options for all the different tolerance levels out there. 

Our new and improved Loop Engage 2 earplugs offer discreet relief from everyday noise for more clear and focused conversations, making them perfect for the workplace. It uses an innovative acoustic channel and mesh filter to reduce noise by up to 16 decibels (SNR) while keeping speech clear, while minimizing the ‘head underwater’ feeling that’s common when speaking while wearing earplugs.

Or if you need even more noise reduction, our ultra comfy Loop Quiet 2 earplugs reduce noise levels by 24 decibels (SNR), helping you to get into your bubble so you can focus on work, study, or everyday life.

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3. Listen to ambient or instrumental music

Music makes the world go round. It’s relaxing, it’s soothing, and it releases happy hormones.  

But did you know that listening to music can actually enhance your ability to concentrate? That’s right – the calming influence that music has can lower your stress levels, which gives you more clarity and focus.

Here are some tips to use music to maximum effect: 

  • Think about volume levels. If your music is too loud it could be counterproductive. 
  • Keep it instrumental. Lyrics might end up distracting you more.  
  • Have a play around with music styles that work for you – and from there, create a playlist.   
  • Experiment with white noise. A static sound that’s often used as a tool to block out rhythmic background noise.

4. Establish a productive routine

Staying focused at work is all about establishing a routine. Set aside designated periods for focused work each day – something you can do by blocking out time in your calendar for specific tasks, or by using techniques like Pomodoro, where you work for 25 minutes of focused time before taking a 5 minute break. 

You won’t stay productive if you’re chained to your computer all day – and it also means you’re more likely to get distracted by background noise. 

Get your concentration back by going for a little walk, chilling out in an office green room, or even going to the toilet.  

Close your eyes and try some breathing techniques. Or even do some gentle stretching. You’ll find it works wonders. 

Consistency is key, so aim to stick to your routine as much as possible, but also be flexible enough to adjust as needed based on your energy levels and workload. With a structured routine that includes focused work periods and mindful breaks, you can enhance productivity and maintain mental wellbeing.

5. Seek alternative work environments

If you need to get away from the hustle and bustle of your regular work environment, consider exploring alternative work environments like libraries, coworking spaces, or quiet cafes to escape distracting background noise. 

Look for locations with minimal disruptions and comfortable seating arrangements conducive to focused work. Libraries often offer quiet zones, while coworking spaces provide a professional atmosphere with amenities like high-speed internet and meeting rooms. Quiet cafes can also offer a relaxed atmosphere – but cafes can also be very noisy, so make sure you choose wisely!

Once you’ve found the perfect place to work, block out background noise with noise-reducing earplugs or headphones, and make sure you’ve got a fully charged laptop. Then it’s time to get to work! This type of working environment doesn’t suit everyone, but for some people who are unable to concentrate with background noise, a library, coworking space or quiet cafe is the perfect solution.

Final thoughts

Background noise can absolutely affect how well we concentrate. Some people are lucky enough to be unaffected by it, while others find it completely impossible to focus on anything when there’s noise in the background. If you’re one of those people, we’ve shared our top tips on how to drown out background noise, raging from finding the right environment to incorporating relaxation techniques into your everyday routine.

Remember, small changes can lead to significant improvements in your ability to concentrate and accomplish tasks effectively. By prioritizing your mental clarity and creating a work environment that supports focus, you'll enhance your productivity and overall well-being. You’ve got this – and we’ve always got your back with a good pair of noise-reducing earplugs.

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