All sounds

Forest sounds for concentration

Birds, wind in leaves, distance. Natural sound is the one category with research on recovery rather than masking. Press play for the block, or for the break after it.

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Restoration, not masking

Attention Restoration Theory (Kaplan, 1995) proposes that natural environments let directed attention recover because they hold attention without effort. Ratcliffe, Gatersleben and Sowden (2013) found that bird sounds in particular were associated with perceived recovery from stress and attention fatigue, though some birds are experienced as alarming and the effect depends on the sound.

How to use it

Forest ambience masks less than rain or brown noise; birdsong is variable and can catch the ear. It is at its best for lighter work, for reading, and for the five-minute break, where the change of sound marks the change of mode. Some people run forest during breaks and rain during blocks.

Volume

Low. This is a background you glance at, not a wall you hide behind.

Kaplan (1995), Journal of Environmental Psychology, 15(3). Ratcliffe, Gatersleben & Sowden (2013), Journal of Environmental Psychology, 36.

Questions

Does nature sound improve focus?
The evidence is for recovery of attention, not for masking. Use it to rest, or for work that does not need the room silenced.
Why do birds sometimes distract me?
Birdsong is variable, and some calls are alerting. If it pulls you out of the task, switch to rain for the block and keep forest for breaks.
Can I switch sounds mid-session?
Yes. Click another tile while the timer runs; the change fades in.