Background Noises and Distractions While Working

Introduction

As children we’re often told by our parents to switch off the TV, radio, laptop etc so that we can concentrate on our work or task in hand. It is said to be better for our concentration or to pay attention to something important, perhaps. And often it can be the case that without the background noise or distraction one does pay more attention and/or performs better.

Brilliant Students watching TV whilst studying!

However, this might not always be the case. I have noticed that there are times when I have needed to concentrate on something or think intensely and I did this better with the TV on or some music playing in the same room. And I found that when I switched off the device I was suddenly not able to think up something with ease and/or even experienced a mental block to my thought processes.

But, astonishingly as soon as I switched on the device again, I found that my thoughts began to ‘flow’ again and concentrating came easily with the distraction running in the background.

Furthermore, it has been brought to my attention that there are people who perform brilliantly in academic subjects and yet when they study they also usually watch the TV at the same time!?

If More People would Experiment with Background Distractions

This would appear to contradict ‘conventional and traditional’ teachings and thinking. And most of us even believe that when we have to do some intense or deep thinking we need an environment of serenity or peacefulness and quiet – ALWAYS.

This can well be the case for some of us, though for many I suspect, this is not really the case!

If more people were willing to test the notion that at least at certain times they can concentrate, think and perform better with some form of distraction, then I think they would be pleasantly surprised!

Most People Probably Can, At Times, Benefit from Distractions

Many of them I think will find that there definitely are times when they can perform better with some type of distraction – be it the TV, music or any other type of noise. Perhaps a sound found in nature – for instance, a waterfall or birds chirping in a woodland area.

And, I would dare to go further and say that there will even be some who find that they can concentrate better virtually all the time with some kind of distraction or background noise.

New Ways of Learning – a Possibility perhaps!?

Obviously, if all of the above was proved to be the case, then there would naturally be some repercussions. Students, for instance, may choose to be wearing headphones more often and listen to their MP3 player – which they might well decide to carry around with them everywhere!

Courtesy: Ali Shah

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