The benefits of lo-fi music and how it can help you focus
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Chris Mosunic, PhD, RD, CDCES, MBA
Why is lo-fi music so relaxing? Discover the wellbeing benefits of lo-fi music and why listening to lo-fi music can help you focus and study more efficiently.
Focus. It's something we all need, yet it can feel impossible to attain when we need it most. Enter lo-fi music — a genre of music that focuses on unpolished, rhythmic recordings that resemble jazz, chill-hop, and repetitive beats.
Lo-fi got its start in the 1950s but has recently made a comeback, mostly because its gentle, modest sound is perfect for study sessions, powering through the workdays, or just chilling out.
Lo-fi can help turn a stimulating environment into a relaxing one and boost your focus and productivity when you need it.
What is lo-fi music?
“Lo-fi" is short for "low-fidelity" music, which means it doesn’t have the polished, studio-quality sound of high-fidelity (hi-fi) recordings. Lo-fi is more raw and embraces imperfections, such as ambient noise, static, or the hum of background conversations..
The hallmark of lo-fi music is its ability to create a serene ambiance, making it a worthy companion for those seeking a gentle acoustic backdrop to their daily routine.
4 benefits of lo-fi music
Lo-fi music has been associated with a wide range of benefits for wellbeing, such as:
1. Lo-fi music may boost your mood
Music may have a direct effect on our mood and a good mood might make for a more productive day. Lo-fi’s relaxing beats and soothing rhythms may make the moment feel lighter and brighter.
2. Lo-fi may increase brain activity
The soothing nature of lo-fi music might help with thinking and creativity. It may stimulate brain activity and aids in problem-solving and innovative thinking.
3. Lo-fi may reduce anxiety and promote relaxation
The calming effects of lo-fi music might be a natural remedy, although not a cure, for anxiety and depression. Lo-fi may help to slow down the mind, reduce cortisol levels, and create a peaceful ambiance that can lessen anxious feelings.
4. Lo-fi could improve concentration and keep you in the moment
If your attention span is more sporadic, lo-fi may help. The repetitive beats might make it easier to get into flow state. This can also be helpful if you’re using the music as background for a mindfulness practice. The rhythm of the music may help ground you in the present moment.
5. Lo-fi might promote better sleep
Unlike energetic or lyric-heavy music, lo-fi typically uses mellow tempos and gentle sounds that help slow down the heart rate and ease tension, making it easier to wind down. The gentle static or “imperfections” in lo-fi music can also create a white noise effect, masking disruptive sounds and helping the brain relax.
6. Lo-fi music could alleviate ADHD symptoms
Lo-fi music can help ease ADHD symptoms by providing a soothing, consistent background noise that supports focus and reduces distractions. Because lo-fi lacks abrupt changes or lyrics, it can be less distracting than other music genres. Additionally, the white noise effect in lo-fi music can help drown out external distractions, promoting a sense of calm that may help improve concentration and reduce feelings of overwhelm.
7. Lo-fi might aid in relaxation
Many people find that the gentle white noise elements in lo-fi tracks, like vinyl crackles or background hums, create a the soothing effect by masking jarring noises. This can promote a relaxed mental state, making it easier to unwind and feel at ease after a long day or during a quiet break from work.
How does listening to lo-fi music help you focus or study?
Lo-fi music creates the perfect conditions for focus and concentration because of its mellow, instrumental nature. Whether you're cramming for an exam or tackling a work project, lo-fi music can help in the following ways.
1. Lo-fi music may set the right vibe for focus
Ambiance matters when it comes to productivity and focus. Lo-fi acts as a consistent, non-distracting background noise, similar to white noise, that increases concentration without increasing stress.
💙 Sitting down to accomplish the day’s tasks? Press play on our Lo-Fi Beats playlist. Tunes like Memories are great for setting the mood for focus.
2. Lo-fi music may enhance dopamine production
Research suggests that music may trigger the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure, reward, and motivation. Listening to lo-fi music might boost your mood, which might help motivate you to focus on the task at hand.
💙 Looking for a feel good lo-fi jam? Check out Cloudy from our Lo-Fi Beats playlist.
3. Lo-fi music may help reduce stress when you’re studying or working
Stress can get in the way of focus and productivity. Lo-fi music may help lower stress levels, putting you in a better mental state for concentrating and retaining information.
💙 Feel This Way Again, is a relaxing lo-fi tune from our Lo-Fi Beats playlist.
4. Lo-fi music may improve cognitive performance
Some studies have shown that background music like lo-fi may improve cognitive performance, enhancing the tasks that require memory recall and problem-solving skills. The mild, steady rhythm of lo-fi music may help maintain a steady cognitive tempo, facilitating stronger focus and retention.
💙 Check out Infinite Lo-Fi for Focus the next time you’re looking for some music to help you concentrate.
5. Lo-fi music isn’t as distracting as other music
As much as we all love singing along to our favorite songs, lyrics can be distracting. Lo-fi skips the lyrics, focuses on rhythm. In that way lo-fi music may help you concentrate on what's in front of you and limit distractions.
Benefits of lo-fi music FAQs
Is lo-fi good for mental health?
Yes, lo-fi music may be good for mental health! Lo-fi music is known for its calming effects, which may ease stress and anxiety. Its steady rhythm can also improve focus, which can lead to a better mood.
What are the disadvantages of lo-fi?
Some might find lo-fi’s repetitive nature uninteresting or distracting. If you're someone who enjoys lyrics, classical music, or a more dynamic beat, lo-fi might not be for you. You might be someone who prefers silence, which may be best for focus.
What does lo-fi do to your brain?
Lo-fi music may reduce stress levels and encourage the release of dopamine, a chemical associated with feelings of pleasure.
Does listening to lo-fi help you sleep better?
Lo-fi may help you sleep better! Lo-fi music's soft, rhythmic patterns may create a calming atmosphere, which might help some people fall asleep more easily. While some prefer lo-fi, others might prefer complete silence or different types of music or background noise.
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