Over the years I’ve found listening to an appropriate playlist can enhance my experience of deep work at my computer, especially for writing.
Here are the characteristics I look for in a good deep work playlist:
- All instrumental music (with the exception of very brief, unobtrusive vocals).
- Music that does not draw attention to itself, changing my focus from my work to the music.
- Music that both relaxes and energizes me for working.
- Music that doesn’t put me to sleep (some spa or ambient music does).
I’ve tried lots of playlists and albums in the past. A few months ago I found one that seems to work best for me in all circumstances. It’s now my go-to playlist when I sit down at my iMac for a work session. My wife and I also use it as background music when reading in the living room.
It’s an Apple-curated playlist called “Pure Focus.” I encourage you to give it a listen and see if it works for you. You can access it here on Apple Music. Or, when near one of your Apple devices that responds to voice you can say, “Hey Siri, Play the Pure Focus Playlist.”