I find some new age music on yahoo radio and listen to that. You can usually find some relaxing music there, that can put you in trance - and I end up working more focused.

Steve Meade

Maybe try some different music.

When I want some background noise, but am doing something I don't want to be distracted from, I like Native American flute music. There are several artists I like better, but R. Carlos Nakai's solo flute CDs work well for this, for me. The melodies tend to blend into the background and are less distracting than other artists (who I actually like better). Canyon Trilogy, Earth Spirit, and Mythic Dreamer are good ones for this. Many of his other CDs also have piano, guitar, etc. and tend to be more distracting.

Another option is ambient music. I know very little about this genre, but there are plenty of pieces that are good for non-distracting background sounds. There's generally no real melody to follow - just blending tones and sound textures.

For me the key to this is an undefined melody and no lyrics. With a strong melody and/or lyrics, it's easy to start humming or singing along - which is the distraction.

Now, I'll admit that both of these are geared more for low energy, relaxing time. If you need something with high energy to motivate you, then these suggestions may not be appropriate for you.

Hope that helps,
Jason

This may seem crazy (and I promise I am not) though what seems to help me the most is to actually talk out loud. Actually speaking the words and hearing them reinforces what I am doing and lets me think more clearly on the topic. Its a great silence breaker and really helps me to get writing, although I don't recommend doing so while there are other people in the next room, who are willing to judge "The man who speaks to himself". Sending you positive writing vibes...DW

The trick is to find the music that will make you get focused and energetic. There's absolutely no way to know what that is for you personally; it's different for everyone. Try a lot of different music, even music you'd never ever think to listen to normally and sooner or later you'll hit upon one that does that for you. For me its a mix of The Corrs' Celtic instrumentals, some Norah Jones and some Yann Tiersen (think a lot of accordions, pianos and percussion going at a very fast and rhythmic pace).

You also have to listen to it a lot, the more you listen to the same piece of music the more it stops being entertainment and the more it starts to become a sort of 'filter' to keep out stray thoughts.

Oh yeah, and coffee. Lots of coffee

Thanks for all the great responses, i tired a few out yesterday, still have not found that winner! I have tried caffeine, but i am trying to stop using it. It does work, but it has an awful effect on my stomach.

Anyone got some other motivational silence breakers?

I like the silence because then I am not distracted and can remain focused on the tasks at hand. I am like you when I have the TV I get caught up in a show waste of 1 hour. I do listen to motivating CD and take a break at hourly intervals. I prefer productivity as opposed to filling in the silence.

I hate silence and its just because i am too much talkative and people wish that i keep myself silent lol so its like i don't keep myself silent even when i am sleeping, i talk in dreams :p so i don't need to break it all. Just hang out and talk to your friends or family members and you can easily break it
Thanks
Webmatic

[DELETED]

I agree even i like the silence since it is more conducive for the creative work that i do. Distractions like music , some body talking is not some thing i would prefer in the background rather a silent background enhances my focus and results are better.

Maybe try radio... Or you can find somebody to speak in the Internet (I mean ICQ and so on)....it won't be irretating and noisy and but still helps to creat an illusion of somebody's presence=)))

Get out of the house.

The noise, wind, fresh air and a pair
of old people gossiping on the bench
will definitely break your silence.

Igor

I use the i-tunes radio and listen to some
music that is completely out of the norm
for me.

It breaks me out of that mood and I'm
up and running.

[DELETED]

I just get up and go for a walk. That doesn't necessarily break the silence, but any change is good - and listening to the sounds of nature always helps me.

Hi Chris, if possible, get outside for sounds of nature, can you open a window, do you live in a city / countryside? How about recorded nature sounds, not everyone's cup of tea but relaxing & refreshing for some.

What's nice is to have a little indoor water fountain... sound of trickling water is very soothing plus according to Chinese Fengshui, it's good for business