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19
Aug 2011

What White Noise Is & How to Use It

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What is white noise?

White noise.  People throw the term around all the time, but what exactly is it?  A good thing or a bad thing?  Why is it important, and why do people use it at work, at home, and for privacy?

Definition

Let’s begin with where white noise gets its name.  Think about white light- white light is the combination of all the colors of the spectrum.  (This is why we tell our kids “white” isn’t a color- it’s lots of colors.)  Along the same lines, white noise is produced by combining 20,000 different frequencies of sound together.  Stay tuned- this is important.

How it works

White noise is awesome for covering intrusive, distracting, or generally unwanted noises.  By using all the sounds in the spectrum, your brain can not focus on that one irritating sound- I’m sure you can imagine something {barking dog, crying baby, neighbor noises}.

White noise works like this: think of taking a childhood road trip and sitting in the back seat.  As a kid, you might remember being able to hear your parents talking in the front seat when the car is idling or going at a slow speed.  As the speed picks up (on the highway for example), you can tell they’re talking, but you can’t distinguish what they’re saying unless they turn around to face you and talk louder.  White noise does the same thing- assuming you don’t want to hear extra noises, it keeps your brain from focusing on it.

Applications

People use white noise in all sorts of ways:

While some people use fans to simulate white noise, only white noise generators (i.e. sound machines) produce true white noise. The advantage of a sound machine is a smaller size, portability, and volume control.  Additionally, most sound machines offer extra features, such as sound therapy (tinnitus), a variety of sound options (nature sounds), and even alarms and timers.

White noise is an extremely valuable resource for businesses and use at home because it reduces distractions and lets you relax so you can sleep.

 

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22
Jul 2011

White Noise for Sleep

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Feeling a Little Unenthusiastic about Nature?

Are you haunted by birds outside your window?  Do they taunt you to the point you feel you may have to take drastic measures just to survive without going completely insane?

To the crows ka-ka-ing outside my bedroom window at 5:30am. Unless you take your morning meeting elsewhere, I may have a bb gun in my future. You’ve been warned.

This reminds me a little too much of Failure to Launch.  Not a great film, but worth a viewing just because of the sideshow bob characters, one of whom {Zooey Deschanel} is been driven mad by a chirping mocking bird.  The poor girl just can’t get any sleep as a result of this bird’s incessant talking.  Her plan of action was not any nobler than my friend’s up above.

White Noise Mimics Nature and Therefore Trumps It

When I hear of these complaints, I just can’t help but think, why?  There are many, many noises that you can’t do much about, such as the sound of your newborn crying inconsolably or a train passing you at 4am.  However, most of nature and its, um, noisiness, can be dealt with in much more humanitarian ways.  At the risk of sounding like a broken record, how about a little white noise?  Ironically, white noise usually mimics nature sounds, which may seem counter-intuitive when trying to cover nature sounds.  However, real nature is sporadic and unpredictable, and while breathtakingly peaceful outdoors on a hike, it is incredibly disturbing while trying to sleep.  In contrast, white noise simulates nature sounds- it’s less authentic, I suppose, but the benefit is a uniform, consistent sound.  This kind of uniformity enables you to sleep and stay asleep because your brain focuses on it instead of errant noises.  Plus, as long as you don’t choose chirping birds, there shouldn’t be any startling tweets that bring you out of slumber.

If nature outside your bedroom window is getting a little too realistic, try a sound machine so you can tune it out and get a good night’s sleep.

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28
Jun 2011

White Noise can Increase Productivity at Work

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Do you find it hard to concentrate at work? The average worker loses over two hours a day because of distractions and interruptions at work. Here are some helpful tips to help reduce the distractions around you and increase your productivity at work.

Prioritize your day every morning by listing out your most important tasks or projects. Start your day by working on a high priority task while you are fresh and motivated. Don’t allow lesser tasks like e-mail take up more time than they warrant. Accomplishing something at the very start of the day can help boost your confidence and improve your attitude about your work day.

Use white noise to block excess office noise, instead of wasting time and energy trying to block the extra conversations around us. If you have never used white noise, try out this free white noise generator to see you find it helpful at work.  With white noise, the interruptive sounds and distracting discussions fade into the background.

Eliminate self-inflicted distractions! A recent study found that people tend to distract themselves at work as often as others distract them. Try turning off your self-distractions, such as email or phones, and turn on a personal sound machine to block surround noise. Spend 30 to 60 minutes focusing solely on a high priority task. At the end of your time, take a short break to check email and then get back to your distraction-free work.

Stand up and walk around when you start to feel stiff or struggle with concentration. A little movement can relieve muscle strain and increase blood circulation to the brain. A study at USC recently found that standing can increase brain function by 5% to 20%. Dehydration can also decrease your productivity by more than 20 percent, so have a drink of water on your break.

You can learn to accomplish more during a work day by eliminating. Start by using a white noise machine to block removing the time-consuming distractions and office conversations. Try taking a break from email and phone calls for a while and turn on some white noise to help you concentrate.  At the end of the day you will feel less stressed, more productive and able to leave on time for a relaxing evening.



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22
Jun 2011

Nature Sounds vs. Nature {& Why Sound Machines Work}

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Nature vs. Nature Sounds

The other night, I contemplated not using my trusty sound machine.  We have quit using one in our daughter’s room because she is finally old enough and a sound enough sleeper that noise doesn’t bother her too much.  So, I thought maybe I would give it a go, too.  All went well the first night.  The second night, however, proved to be quite different.  As I was pulling the curtains closed and preparing to hop in bed, the loudest imaginable wind I have ever heard whipped through our not so well insulated house.  It shook the windows and made for a breezy good-night {and incidentally tore down huge trees and wreaked havoc throughout the city}.  I tried, I really did, to not turn on my sound machine, but when push came to shove, or in this case, when the wind practically whipped through my room, I just couldn’t resist.

The funny thing is that my sound machine comes equipped with nature sounds.  You would think that trading actual nature for simulated nature sounds would not be effective.  However, I will say that simulated nature sounds provide a great background for sleeping, whereas actual nature is preferable for an outdoor experience.  That’s because real nature varies and is inconsistent by nature {pun intended}; nature sounds , by design, are uniform and cover the sound spectrum for the purpose of covering or masking unwanted sounds.  That’s why white nose works- it actually allows the brain to tune out unpleasant or distracting noise{s} so you can work more efficiently, or in this case, sleep more soundly.

So, I have come to a place in my adult life in which I don’t need sound masking to sleep, but I really appreciate having a sound machine as an option for those times when external noises keep my brain going.  I often opt to use my sound machine for naps since they’re during the day and most of the world around me is still going.  Yet, at night,  I just use it when I can’t sleep because of street noise, a dog barking, or in this case, the howling wind.

If you struggle to fall asleep or sleep soundly through the night, you might also benefit from a sound machine.

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25
May 2011

White Noise in Hospitals

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So often I write of sound masking, or the use of white noise to cover unwanted sounds, in the context of noisy offices {see blog title} or even for working and sleeping at home.  It is a subject near and dear to my heart as we have employed some form of sound masking for at least 5 years as our family has expanded.

What caught my attention today, though, is an article a friend sent me about the use of white noise in a Texas NICU {Newborn Intensive Care Unit} for the preemies.  The NICU staff have found that excessive noise bothers the tiny infants.

“Studies have shown over the last 20 years that exposure to high amounts of noise in premature babies is associated with poor neurodevelopmental outcomes,” explained Dr. Alex Kenton, medical director of the unit.

When our babies’ precious futures are at stake, there is little we are not willing to do.  Thus, the staff there has sensors for when noise exceeds 55 decibels, as well as posted signs to remind staff and visitors to be quiet.  In addition, they have installed rubber floors and and special ceiling tiles to help absorb inevitable noise.  Finally, the unit installed a sound masking unit which hums quietly but covers intrusive noise.

The whooshing, wind-like sound mutes conversations and acts as a sort of buffer.
“It goes unnoticed,” stated Rebecca Notgrass, the patient access director. “If you’re not listening for it and you don’t know what it is, you really don’t know that you’re listening to it.”

Once again, white noise to the rescue!  What a great idea- so many people think that babies can sleep through anything, and often they can.  But as the aforementioned study stated, too much noise {like that found in a bustling hospital} can stunt neurological growth.  Why not give our newborns, especially those who need intensive care, every shot we can?

Sound masking can be used for noisy offices and better sleep, but it can also be used in hospitals and NICUs for better neurological development.

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20
May 2011

Using White Noise Against Unwanted Noise

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Staying Focused at Work

It’s no surprise that people get distracted at work- we all do.  Sometimes we’re thinking about our children or mentally planning a vacation…or maybe we’re paying bill online or just day dreaming.  Those are our own distractions.  Interestingly, these internal distractions are not nearly as detrimental to our productivity as external distractions, such as co-worker gossip and other conversational distractions.  In fact, most workers lose more than 2 hours of productivity to distraction, namely conversational distraction.

Thus, it’s not a huge jump to say that distracted workers are not as productive as focused ones.  They are disengaged, thinking about other things, listening to water cooler gossip, taking part in discussions, bets, and stories being passed around.  Even when they want to be focused, they are held captive by other people’s noise, including all their gadgets and exotic ring tones….oh, well, yes, they’re held prey by their own gadgetry as well. Who doesn’t drop what they’re doing when a text beeps in or your cell phone rings?

Using Noise Against Noise

Pretty simple, yet a difficult problem.  You can’t exactly tell people, “Stop being distracted….And quit answering your phone.”  If only it were that easy.  However, there is an easy solution: sound machines.  By using a little white noise and even nature sounds you can tune out a lot of superfluous noise and distraction.  Basically white noise serves as a weapon against unwanted sound- it presents a consistent sound that covers the entire sound spectrum so that unwanted noises don’t penetrate.  You can use standard white noise that sounds like fan, or there are tons of nature sounds to choose from.  And, interestingly enough, the extra noise you’re adding with your little machine is just enough to help cover the unwanted sounds without proving to be a distraction itself.  The result is that you can actually focus on work and not on what the cubicle next to you is doing.

If office noise is keeping you from being productive, try this free online white noise generator or upgrade to your own sound machine so you can reclaim your lost time at work.

 

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06
May 2011

Distracted at Work

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Meg May Be Sleepless in Seattle, but I’m Distracted at Work

Are you distracted at work?  Is it crazy frustrating to actually want to work and not be able to because of interruptions.
If you are in fact “distracted at work,” why not try a white noise machine at your desk. It may not be as exciting as headphones, but it’s a lot more effective because a sound machine doesn’t prove to be a distraction itself {ever found yourself typing the lyrics inadvertently in an email?}.  What it does do is drown out background noise so that you can focus on what you are doing, instead of trying to concentrate through office drama or co-worker chatter.

Plus, studies show that less noise {via a sound machine}  are extremely helpful in more focus, less tress, and fewer errors.  Studies have found that offices that utilized white noise showed an average of 48% improvement in their ability to focus on tasks, a 51% improvement in elimination of distractions {especially overheard conversations}, and a 27% improvement in lowered stress levels.

A small portable option for a white noise machine is the Sound Oasis Travel White Noise Therapy System. It’s the Mighty Mouse of the sound machines- tiny, but it can beat up all the big distractions Even better, since its portable, you can take it home with you to help you get better sleep at night.

If you don’t need a portable option, the Sound Oasis Deluxe Office White Noise System is a great choice. It’s not as small as the travel sound machine, but it does have a lot more features, including 20 main sounds & 5 mix sounds create 120 sound environment possibilities.

A free option to just try out the whole white noise thing is a free online white noise generator. Just keep it open in a background browser window and you’ll be well on your way to working–without as much distraction and stress.

If office noise and the resulting distractions are keeping you from work, try a free online generator or a sound machine to tune out what’s bothering you.

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05
May 2011

Tips to Increase Productivity {with White Noise}

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We all want to make the most of our time at work.  But instead, we are constantly bombarded by distractions or discomfort at work. Here are some helpful tips to increase your productivity and efficiency.

1. Restore Good Posture – The goal while sitting at a computer is to maintain a neutral typing posture, where your muscles are almost completely relaxed. Improving your posture will make you more comfort and boost your productivity. Get a good, ergonomic chair that encourages good posture, and adjust it to specifically fit your body. Make sure you feet sit firmly on the ground and that your back is well supported; you can also add portable lumbar support if your backrest is not sufficient.

2.      Try white noise – Random office noise and interruptions consume about two hours a day for the average office worker. Most of us spend our day trying to concentrate through the conversations around us. White noise can help. Try out this free white noise generator to see if you could benefit from masking the miscellaneous noise at work.  White noise can help cover up interrupting noises and make surrounding conversations fade into the background.

3.      Set your priorities. Each morning, list out your most important tasks or projects and spend the first part of your day on a high priority task while you are fresh and motivated. Don’t default to checking e-mail or phone messages first thing. This will help lower your stress and make you feel productive.

4.       Eliminate distractions! A recent study found that people tend to distract themselves at work as often as others distract them. Set a period of time like a 30 to 60 minutes and turn off all your self-distractions, like your phone and e-mail, and turn on a personal sound machine to block conversations. Spend this time in focused concentration working on a high priority task. At the end of your time, take a short break and then get back to your distraction-free work mode.

5.      Take a break. If you are feeling stiff or are struggling with a project, stand up and stretch. This will relieve muscle strain and increase blood circulation to the brain. A study at USC recently found that standing can increase brain function by 5% to 20%. And drink water throughout the day; so even slight dehydration can decrease your productivity by more than 20 percent.

Increasing your productivity and efficiency can lower your stress and help you complete your work by the end of the day. Start by maintaining good posture with a good, ergonomic chair that is properly adjusted to support your body. Next, decrease the time-consuming distractions and office noise with a white noise sound machine. Working to make changes in your habits and environment can help you feel more productive and less stressed at the end of the day.

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25
Apr 2011

Recover Wasted Energy with White Noise

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Do you feel completely drained of energy before you even reach the end of the day? We all have those days when we are extra tired, but there are some habits we can change to help retain some of the energy we waste during the day. Try these tips help recover your productivity.

  • Maintain Good Posture. Slouching or sitting in an awkward position requires extra work by the major muscle groups in your back and arms, draining you of energy and momentum. Instead, strive to maintain a neutral typing posture where your muscles are at their lowest strain and even relaxed. Ergonomic chairs are specifically designed to support good posture for long periods of time. Also, make sure your back is well supported and add more lumbar support if your chair doesn’t provide enough.
  • Start Using White Noise. It takes a great deal of energy and effort to concentrate in the midst of distractions and noise. Most people lose up to two hours a day from interruptions at work, but a personal sound machine can help. Start by establishing a distraction-free time with no e-mail or phone calls – maybe even hang a sign indicating when you will next be available for interruptions — and turn on a white noise machine to block out office conversations and noise around you. It is incredible how quickly and efficiently you can work when you don’t have to spend half your brain power just trying to focus.
  • Upgrade Your Keyboard. In the same way that poor posture strains you back and arms, poor positioning of your hands and arms wastes energy and can strain muscles. Ergonomic keyboards are wonderfully designed to improve hand posture and reduce the energy and muscle movement required for typing. You should try the many different designs and sizes to find one that fits your hands and needs.
  • Be Aware of Your Energy-Draining Tasks. Do you find that certain tasks or dealing with certain people drain you faster than your normal work? We all have things we don’t like to do and personalities that challenge us. Once you recognize what these are for you, be deliberate about how you deal with them. Find a good time of the day, when you are not too tired or easily irritated. Then set aside a short period of time to tackle these tasks, or calls these people. Afterward, take a break, drink some water and restore your focus before moving on with your day. If necessary, come back to finish the task a little later in the day.

We all encounter distractions and interruptions that drain us of our energy and break our concentration. Try using white noise to cover the constant conversations and noise present in any office. Set aside a distraction-free time and use a personal sound machine to help you focus and make the most of your time. Establishing new habits can help you restore lost energy and remain productive all day long.

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21
Mar 2011

Increasing Your Productivity {Remove Distractions with White Noise}

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I am always looking for ways to make the most of my work day. Here are some surprising, but effective tips to increase productivity and efficiency:

  • Prioritize your day – Always jump into the most important tasks first thing in the morning, before checking your email or answering phone calls. This guarantees that the priority tasks get done while you are freshest.
  • Use white noise – Random office noise, completely unrelated to you and your work consumes almost two hours a day for most people. Try out this free white noise generator to see if you could benefit from masking the miscellaneous noise at work.
  • Establish a ‘No-Interruption’ Mode – New studies have found that people distract themselves at work almost as often as they are distracted by other people. Designate a specific period of time to turn off all distractions (such as Facebook, Instant Messenger, Email and even your phone) in order to optimize your focus on the project at hand. At the end of your time, take a short break to check your phone and email, then go back to the ‘No-Interruption’ mode.
  • Take a break – Get up from you chair and walk around. About once an hour, stretch your muscles, look around and breathe deeply. This will help relieve stress, relax your muscles and increase blood flow to your brain.
  • Drink more water – Your brain is about 75% water. Getting even slightly dehydrated can decrease your productivity and energy by up to 20%. As a general rule aim for eight full glasses of water a day.
  • Sit up straight – Good posture one of the most important changes any computer user can make to improve comfort and productivity. The ultimate goal is to maintain a neutral typing posture while using your computer more productively.  Start with a good, ergonomic chair and adjust it to support your body. Move the back rest up or down to find the angle that best fits the curve of your back. Make sure your lower back has enough support, or add portable lumbar support. Lower your chair height so your feet rest firmly on the floor and adjust your arm rests to provide easy elbow and arm movement.
  • Get Organized – Clear off all the clutter on your desk and stop wasting time looking for things. Place the frequently used items, like your phone or stapler, within easy reach. Try using an adjustable keyboard tray to open more space on your desk, and to allow for better typing posture.
  • Upgrade your keyboard – Ergonomic keyboards are designed to help you type faster, more comfortably and more efficiently. Try out several different keyboards to find one that best fits your hands. Give yourself a few weeks to adjust to the new fit and style.

These simple tips can help you make the most of your time. Eliminate distractions by turning off your phone or email, and by adding a personal white noise generator to your work. Increasing your comfort with a well-designed, ergonomic chair or upgrading to an ergonomic keyboard can also help you remain productive all day long.

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