We're all looking for ways to be more productive and stay on-task, amidst environments that are full of distractions. Now, we’ve all heard of white noise and how beneficial it could be in promoting productivity and focus, but TikTok has recently been buzzing with a somewhat new discovery–brown noise.
Apparently, thousands of people swear by its effectiveness because it’s an interesting way to boost output. Color us curious, so we looked it up and found the deets.
To begin with, what is brown noise?
Brown noise, also known as red noise or Brownian noise, is a deep, low-frequency rumble that's incredibly soothing. Imagine the sound of leaves rustling or a gentle waterfall, and you're close to the vibe brown noise creates. The term "brown noise" comes from the observations of Robert Brown, a Scottish botanist who noticed similar random movements in pollen grains suspended in fluid.
So what are the benefits of brown noise?
Brown noise has become popular recently because more and more people are looking for ways to improve their ability to focus, relax, and feel good in general. Here are a few of the reasons why it's so popular:
It helps block out distractions. Brown noise has a way of blocking out sudden noises and distractions like traffic, talking coworkers, or general office chaos. By creating a consistent background sound, it makes for a setting that is great for working on something.
It promotes better sleep. Many people swear that brown noise helps them sleep and relax. Its soft, regular sound helps people fall asleep by covering up annoying sounds and making them feel calm. It's also a popular way to relax and meditate, which can help lower stress and anxiety.
It boosts creativity and productivity. The steady, almost unnoticeable sound of brown noise can help you focus on your work by easing mental strain and making it easier to pay attention because it makes a controlled sound environment that is great for deep work and keeps you from losing focus. It can also help give you a calm setting, so you can let your mind wander and think of new ideas without feeling too much.
What’s the difference between brown noise and white noise?
Brown noise and white noise differ in their sound characteristics. White noise is a sound that hisses and has the same amount of energy at all levels, much like the sound between stations on a TV or radio. White noise is often used to block out other sounds, help people sleep, and make a steady background sound that helps people relax and concentrate.
Brown noise, on the other hand, has more energy at low frequencies and less energy at higher frequencies. It sounds softer and warmer than white noise, which is brighter and a bit sharper. Brown noise is becoming more common as a soothing alternative to white noise, especially for sleep and making a calm environment for focusing.
Is there scientific evidence regarding brown noise?
Scientific research on brown noise is still limited compared to other types of noise, like white noise, but continued research and personal experience point to the possibility of benefits. It's important to remember that some people find brown noise helpful, but not everyone might feel the same way. Everyone has different tastes and levels of sensitivity to sound.
That being said, studies have looked into how different types of noise affect focus, sleep, and relaxation. While they may not focus specifically on brown noise, they provide insights into the broader effects of ambient sounds.
What about you, Bestie? What kinds of music or sounds do you like listening to while working? Or are you the type who prefers a quiet working environment? We’d love to hear from you!
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