Do you have difficulties in maintaining focus and motivation in carrying out your daily tasks or even at work? For people with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) can prove to be a real challenge.
However, the good news is that there are strategies that can help you, such as music! Some studies show that music is an excellent way to increase cognitive stimulation, resulting in improved focus, reduced stress and improved memory.
But could it be that, for this purpose, we can listen to any type of music? The truth is that there is a specific selection, which can enhance your performance whether at work or in your studies!
If you are looking for relaxing music to work with, for Increase concentration at work or just to get extra motivation, check out our 5 suggestions (including playlists) that we prepared for you!
🎻 In Classical Music, musical works by composers such as Mozart, Bach, and Beethoven are known for their positive effects on concentration due to their structure characterized by balanced harmony and constant rhythm.
In addition, as these are normally characterized by the absence of letters, they are perfect to provide ideal conditions for moments of productivity.
👉 Classical Music Playlist (Spotify)
👉 Classical Music Suggestion (YouTube)
🎧 Binaural Sounds use frequencies that stimulate specific brain waves for focus, relaxation, and states of deep concentration. This effect occurs when each ear receives a slightly different frequency.
For this reason, it is recommended that headphones be used for this type of sound!
👉 Binaural Sounds Playlist (Spotify)
👉 Binaural Sound Suggestion (YouTube)
🎵 The Lo-fi genre (Low Fidelity) has gained a lot of popularity especially for those looking for calm music to work with or study. The combination of soft beats and ambient sounds can have a positive impact in this regard.
👉 Lo-fi Music Suggestion (YouTube)
🌊 Sounds associated with nature such as ocean waves, rain, or forest promote the creation of calm environments and the reduction of emotional overload.
👉 Sounds of Nature Playlist (Spotify)
👉 Suggested Sounds of Nature (YouTube)
🔊 White Noise (”White Noise”) contains all audible frequencies in a balanced way. It is characterized by having no rhythm or melody and, therefore, it manages to mask possible external sounds/distractions.
This genre creates neutral sound environments and makes it easier to focus on specific tasks, also calming the mind.
👉 White Noise playlist (Spotify)
👉 White Noise Suggestions (YouTube)
🔹Avoid songs with lyrics;
🔹Avoid songs that are too complex, that is, with sudden changes in rhythm and volume;
🔹Use headphones to isolate external sounds and maximize the effect;
🔹Experiment with different genres to find out which one works best for you;
🔹Create an auditory ritual - using the same playlist can help the brain associate it with productivity.
The relationship between music and concentration has been extensively studied, as well as its impact on people with ADHD.
It has been concluded that the impact of music on the brain varies depending on the rhythm, volume and structure of the composition.
Some important findings include:
✅ Songs without lyrics help with concentration — Letters can compete for the brain's attention, making it difficult to absorb written or verbal information.
✅ Instrumental music and ambient sounds improve focus — Soft sounds, such as classical music, help mask external noises and promote immersion in the task.
✅ Each person responds differently — Some prefer classical music, other sounds of nature, or Lo-fi. The ideal is to try different styles to find the one that works best for you.
Some studies reinforce that, for the purpose of greater concentration, we cannot listen to any music, just as it is not any activity that benefits from the support of music as a concentration strategy. In other words, music can help, yes, but to a certain extent, otherwise it can become counterproductive when the brain receives too many stimuli.
A systematic review from 2025 studied the intersection of music with ADHD, concluding that:
Understand this dynamic and uncover which type of music is most suitable for you It could be something completely transformative in your work or study routine, as it enhances your results and ensures a greater focus.
Explore our suggestions and find a genre that matches you! 🎧✨
MACHADO, Mariana Vitoria Almeida. Music therapy as a promoter of attention in ADHD. Porto: [ed.author], 2010. 71, [20] f. Research project under the Postgraduate Program in Special Education at the Escola Superior de Educação de Paula Frassinetti, not published. Full text available from the ESEPF Repository. http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11796/786
Saville, P.; Kinney, C.; Heiderscheit, A.; Himmerich, H. Exploring the Intersection of ADHD and Music: A Systematic Review. Behavioral Sciences, 2025, 15 (1), 65. https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15010065
Wiebe, J. ADHD, the Classroom and Music: A Case Study. Semantic Scholar, 2007. https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/ADHD%2C-the-Classroom-and-Music%3A-A-Case-Study-Wiebe/6956fbab21e0bca709a7677b8ba2de2d5c39a270#related-papers?utm_source=direct_link
