It seems counterintuitive that noise would help a writer write better and/or faster, but I find a specific kind of focus only when I’m in coffee shops.
What could be the special kind of motivation here? The obvious culprit seems to be the energy boost provided by my caramel macchiato or vanilla latte.
But you can easily make coffee at home, cheaper and better tasting, too. In this situation, it’s something a little more.
In a coffee shop, I tune out all the sound into ambient noise, turn on my coffee shop playlist, and zone into my work. I usually stop writing only when it’s time to go home.
I looked it up some time ago and discovered that this phenomenon has a name: the “coffee shop effect.”
What is the Coffee Shop Effect?
Coined by Onno van de Groen, a neuropsychology researcher, it’s the phenomenon where ambient noise and a change of scenery boost creativity and productivity.
Noise, social presence, and context blend together just enough to create cognitive interference to prevent you from getting stuck inside your own head.
Quiet Peopling May Help You Write Better
Being around other people who are working inspires you to work.
Odd, considering they are strangers and don’t really care what you’re up to, but collective focus in the space creates some kind of unconscious expectation.
It’s probably the reason why virtual co-working platforms are a thing. You book a video session with a few strangers, and you both just work in silence. No talking or collaboration required.
That’s a step further than I need, but I’m sure many writers find this type of co-working very productive as well.
Change of Context Makes a Big Difference
When you leave your house and go somewhere for the purpose of writing, you are telling your brain: “We are in work mode now, mate.”
The physical transition involved in getting dressed, commuting, and settling into my favorite spot is a ritual that primes me for focus.
At home, where I do chores, work out, cook, read, watch television, etc, I’m more likely not to get good writing time in.
Having a dedicated workspace with a few writing rituals is awesome, but after spending so long in the same creative space, switching locations can boost productivity.
I love writing in solitude during my most productive hours at home, but sometimes I get stuck in my head and just need to be somewhere else. That’s when I find coffee shop sessions invaluable.
My coffee shop sessions aren’t every day, but I need at least one per week, even when the money is tight, and up to three when the budget is flush.
Sometimes, it’s not Enough
Some days, no matter the location, ambient companions, or rituals, the words simply won’t come, and that’s the nature of writing.
But don’t let that deter you. Focus on something non-writing related on those days, then come back to your work with fresh eyes.
Do you like coffee shop sessions? Did they help boost your productivity? Share in the comments section.
Information Sources
You can dive more into the coffee shop effect via the links below if you’re interested:-
- https://thepresenceportal.com/the-coffee-shop-effect-and-its-impact-on-productivity.
- https://www.newscientist.com/article/2090717-do-you-get-your-best-work-done-in-coffee-shops-heres-why.
- https://www.inc.com/scott-mautz/want-to-power-up-your-productivity-neuroscience-says-leverage-coffee-shop-effect.html.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30858404.
Wunmi inherited every sarcastic bone in her parents’ bodies and channels that genetic feistiness into her stories. When she’s not reading and writing, she’s plotting her next travel adventure. Her writing has appeared on HuffPost, YouQueen, Medium, and several anthologies. She is currently working on several full-length novels. Learn more about Wunmi here…