It has been proven scientifically that music can be beneficial for people with ADHD for focusing, working or studying, as it can provide dopamine for the brain, improve mood, decrease inattention, suppress distractions, and even promote reading comprehension.
In this blog, we’ve got some suggestions for what to listen to if you have ADHD-or just want to improve your focus with links to Spotify and Youtube playlists.
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So here is our list of the best music for ADHD!
1. Binaural Beats
Binaural beats are a type of sound wave that can help synchronize brain waves and promote relaxation. They are often used in meditation and can also be helpful for individuals with ADHD to promote focus and concentration. Binaural beats work by playing two different tones in each ear, which creates a perceived third tone that matches the difference in frequency between the two tones. The brain then synchronizes to this new frequency, which can help promote relaxation and focus.
Recommended Binaural Beats ADHD playlists:
2. Rock Music
While rock music is typically associated with energy and excitement, some studies have shown that it can also be helpful for ADHD individuals. The upbeat tempo and steady rhythm can help promote focus and reduce distractibility. However, it’s essential to note that not all rock music is created equal – heavy metal and aggressive rock music may be too stimulating and distracting for some individuals with ADHD. Instead, try listening to classic rock or alternative rock with a steady, upbeat tempo.
Recommended Rock Music ADHD playlists:
3. Classical Music
Classical music is a popular choice for individuals with ADHD to promote focus and concentration. The calm and peaceful melodies can create a soothing environment that reduces stress and anxiety. Additionally, classical music is often instrumental, which can be helpful for individuals with ADHD who find lyrics distracting. The works of composers such as Mozart, Beethoven, and Bach are popular choices for studying and work environments.
Recommended Classical Music ADHD playlists:
4. Lo-Fi
Lo-Fi music is a sub-genre of hip-hop that features mellow and repetitive beats. It is often used for relaxation and studying and can be helpful for ADHD individuals to promote focus and concentration. The repetitive nature of the beats can create a calming and consistent environment that reduces distractions and promotes concentration. Many online streaming services, such as YouTube and Spotify, offer Lo-Fi playlists specifically designed for studying and work environments.
Recommended Lo-Fi ADHD playlists:
5. 8D Audio
8D audio is a type of audio processing that creates the illusion of sound moving around the listener’s head. It can be helpful for ADHD individuals to promote focus and concentration by creating an immersive listening experience. The music is mixed in a way that creates the illusion of sound moving from left to right and front to back, which can be stimulating and engaging for some individuals. However, it’s important to note that 8D audio can be overwhelming for some individuals with ADHD and may not be the best option for everyone.
Recommended 8D Audio ADHD playlists:
6. Electronic Music with Consistent and Repeating Rhythms
Electronic upbeat music can be helpful for ADHD individuals to promote focus and concentration. The steady beat can help reduce distractibility and create a calming environment. Techno and trance music are examples of electronic music that often feature consistent and repeating rhythms that can be helpful for promoting concentration.
Recommended Electronic Music ADHD playlists:
7. Instrumental Music
Instrumental music, which is music that lacks vocals or lyrics, can be beneficial for individuals with ADHD. This is because it provides a background soundtrack that can be both soothing and non-distracting. Classical music is often instrumental, but there are also plenty of instrumental tracks in other genres, such as jazz, folk, and even some pop music. Some popular instrumental artists include Ludovico Einaudi, Yiruma, and Rodrigo y Gabriela.
Recommended Instrumental Music ADHD playlists:
8. Nature Sounds
Nature sounds, such as rain, waves, and birdsong, can be extremely calming and beneficial for individuals with ADHD. These sounds can be used to create a peaceful environment that promotes concentration and relaxation. There are many recordings and playlists available that feature nature sounds, or you can simply create your own by downloading nature sound clips or using a white noise app.
Recommended Nature Sounds ADHD playlists:
9. White Noise
White noise is a type of sound that contains all the frequencies of sound in equal amounts, creating a consistent background noise. This can be helpful for individuals with ADHD because it masks other distracting sounds and creates a calming, consistent environment. There are many white noise apps and machines available, or you can create your own using a white noise generator website. White noise music typically consists of a sound frequency range between 20 Hz and 20,000 Hz, which encompasses the entire range of human hearing. However, most white noise generators tend to focus on the lower frequency range between 20 Hz and 5,000 Hz to create a more pleasant and relaxing sound.
Recommended White Noise ADHD playlists:
10. Brown Noise
Well, this is truly a gamechanger! We’ve tried it ourselves and definetely can recommend to everyone! Brown noise, also known as red noise, is a lower frequency sound than white noise, typically with a range between 0.1 Hz and 20 Hz. It’s characterized by its deep, rumbling sound and is often used to create a relaxing, soothing atmosphere that can help individuals with ADHD calm their minds and focus better. Brown noise can be particularly helpful for those with ADHD, as it can mask other distracting noises and promote concentration, creating a more conducive environment for productivity. Additionally, some people may find brown noise more effective than white noise for focusing and concentration due to its lower frequency range and ability to create a more steady and predictable background sound.
Recommended Brown Noise ADHD playlists:
As you can see, there are many types of music that can be beneficial for individuals with ADHD to help them stay productive and focus, work, and study effectively. All of the music types we mentioned have unique benefits that can be used to create a focused, productive environment and keep your brain in a right state. But keep in mind that you have to experiment with different types to find what works best for you, and to use it in conjunction with other ADHD management strategies such a active lifestyle, therapy, and exercise. Use the right tools and support to help yourself thrive and achieve your goals!
