Why can I only focus and study when I'm listening to music?

Question

I read a lot of opinions on the Internet how music and studying don't go well together because it's distracting, but for some odd reasons, music helps me MASSIVELY if I have to study.

It allows me to focus, get into a flow, and honestly is way better than any coffee.

On the other hand, if I don't listen to music, and try to study in silence, I actually get distracted by "how silent it is". It's hard to explain, I can't bear the silence around me, it's like mental torture for me.

What do you think?

Answer 1

Same way. I usually opt for those live lofi streams because the music is soft, and you can listen to it at a reasonable volume and still focus on work. You're not weird at all, and given the numbers of people that tune in daily to the studying girl lofi stream, lots of people like us are around. My best guess as to why, because we need process two or more things at things at once, and having one part of the brain listening to music and the other part focused on note-taking/studying helps keep us from realizing we're sitting in a silent room doing boring shit. Listen on friend, and all the best!

Answer 2

me with asmr, it gives my brain something to subconsciously focus on so that it stops ‘fidgeting’.

Answer 3

Same. I had concentration issues and couldn't focus on anything. This led to procrastination and I hate this period of my life. I just couldn't do my assignments and usually used Smart academic solutions and was way behind my classes. And when I started to set up my routine background music really helped me. I don't know how it works but now I even put shows in the background and I can focus on the plot and my assignment simultaneously. Maybe you don't distract because you do something you like or something. Honestly, don't know how it works but it works

Answer 4

same here, we got so used to 24/7 distraction that we can't even bear some hours just doing deep work. I usually start out by structuring my stuff and writing notes while listening to music and when I feel focused enough I start with the real study-part  I will eventually turn the music off. Can really recommend. Quiet studying is super fulfilling for me but also something very hard to sustain for a long time.