Business
What Music to Listen to to Be Productive and Other Takeaways from Huberman Lab
Are earphones and a playlist part of your arsenal when you want to do serious work or beat a deadline?
You’re definitely not alone. A study by Pandora CloudCover says 94.4% of employees surveyed listen to music when they’re working.
I’ve always thought that listening to music has more to do with entertainment or keeping myself alert and awake than anything. However, a recent podcast episode from the Huberman Lab taught me that it goes far beyond.
I’m a big fan of Huberman Lab, a podcast by American neuroscientist Dr. Andrew Huberman, which explores science and science-based tools for a healthy and fulfilling life. His episode about using music to boost motivation, mood, and improve learning enlightened me that beats and melodies can be a powerful ally in one’s quest for efficiency.
Here are my key takeaways from the podcast episode, as well as actionable tips based on how I apply (or plan to apply) these takeaways in my everyday life.
1. Music activates diverse neurological pathways in your brain.
“Music believe it or not is a neurological phenomenon most of us think of music as something that happens outside of us… it turns out that when we listen to music it activates nearly every piece of our brain.” – Dr. Andrew Huberman
Music is not just an auditory experience; it engages multiple brain areas responsible for emotions, memory, sensory experiences, and motor functions. This multi-faceted engagement explains why music can have varied effects on mood, memory, and cognitive function.
For instance, certain types of music can evoke strong emotional responses, aid in memory recall, or enhance concentration and focus.
- Actionable Tip: Experiment with different genres and types of music to understand their effects on your mood and cognitive functions. For example, try listening to classical music while working to see if it improves your concentration, or play upbeat music to lift your mood. I usually listen to Jazz for Study music on Spotify whenever I write or need to do concentrated work. I also listen to it to drown out incidental noise when I write in coffee shops.
2. You can leverage music to process complex emotions.
“Music can describe numerous types of emotions and they can do it with a lot of nuance… not only can music describe emotions, it can evoke emotions with a tremendous degree of nuance.” – Dr. Andrew Huberman
Music can deeply influence our emotional states, both in evoking and in helping us process our feelings. Music’s ability to engage various brain areas, including those responsible for emotional processing, makes it a powerful tool for navigating and understanding our emotions.
- Actionable Tip: I use music to intentionally explore and process my emotions. If I’m feeling sad, for instance, I listen to music that resonates with my current emotional state, and I find that it helps me process these feelings. Conversely, if I wish to shift my mood to a more positive state, I choose music with an upbeat tempo and major keys.
3. You can use various music types to optimize your brain for different activities.
“Listening to music for 10 to 15 minutes prior to engaging in whatever that work may be physical or cognitive… is one of the best ways to get motivated in order to engage in that work or engage in that exercise.” – Dr. Andrew Huberman
Using various music types to optimize your brain for different activities is that music can significantly influence our brain’s performance in various tasks, from enhancing focus to boosting motivation for physical activities.
- Actionable Tip: Tailor your music choices to the activity at hand to optimize your brain’s performance. For cognitive tasks requiring focus, such as studying or working, choose instrumental music or specific frequencies like 40 Hz binaural beats. When preparing for physical activities or exercise, listen to upbeat music with a faster tempo (140-150 beats per minute).
4. Music can stimulate memory and learning
“Learning how to play a musical instrument at any age as well as singing and singing especially with others in a group has been shown to enhance learning and the acquisition of new skills separate from musical learning and singing.” – Dr. Andrew Huberman
Music, especially when learned and practiced from a young age, can significantly enhance brain connectivity and cognitive abilities. This effect is not limited to childhood but can also be beneficial when adults engage with music.
I played piano and guitar when I was younger, and I learned how to play violin and ukulele in my 20s. I hardly play these instruments today anymore, but I can attest that the learning experience somehow conditioned me to understand my brain’s ability to process information, adapt to new challenges, and engage in creative thinking. It always amazed me how I could be struggling with a new piece one day and be better at it the next day after a full night’s sleep.
- Actionable Tip: You don’t have to learn to play a musical instrument if you don’t have the time or if you don’t want to. Here’s something you can do on the fly: sing! Sing in the shower, sing while doing the dishes, sing while driving.
5. Certain rhythms and beats can boost motivation and productivity
“Listening to music for 10 to 15 minutes prior to engaging in whatever that work may be, physical or cognitive, is one of the best ways to get motivated.” – Dr. Andrew Huberman
Music with a specific tempo and rhythm can significantly influence our mental state and drive. Faster-paced music, typically with a tempo of around 140 to 150 beats per minute, can activate neural circuits that increase motivation and the propensity for action.
- Actionable Tip: Before starting a task or exercise, listen to fast-paced music with a tempo of around 140 to 150 beats per minute for about 10 to 15 minutes. This can prime your brain for action and increase your readiness to engage in both physical and cognitive activities.
You can watch Huberman Lab’s episode titled How to Use Music to Boost Motivation, Mood & Improve Learning here.
What was once old is new again: mid century modern is back in style. From architecture to furniture, the postwar look is in, and the hype extends all the way to office chairs.
Do you need a mid century modern office chair in your life? If so, there’s plenty to choose from. Your office chair should be tailored to your style, whether you like luxury, utility, or something in between.
That’s why we’ve put together our 10 favorite places to find your ideal mid century modern office chair.
What is mid century modern design?
After World War II, spirits were high in the US, and new technology was taking the country by storm. Mid century modern refers to the design concepts that came about during this time.
As opposed to the frilly, ornate designs of classical furnishings, mid century modern designs are angular, material, and functional. Wood is a common design element, especially teak. Mid century modern furniture may also have materials like glass, vinyl, and metal. Designs are simple and geometric, with bold accent colors to make them pop.
The mid century modern aesthetic never really went away, but it’s made a noted comeback in recent years. Some have chalked it up to Boomer and Gen X nostalgia, others point to mid-century-set shows like Mad Men and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.
Why should I buy a mid century modern office chair?
Mid century modern is the perfect fusion of style and utility. If you want to cultivate an office space that commands respect without being ostentatious, mid century modern is the style for you.
When it comes to office chairs, an MCM one is often made with sturdy wood and vinyl. They combine the ergonomics of a modern office chair with old-fashioned grace.
If you’re concerned with utility and utility only, a more bog-standard office chair may suit you. But a mid century modern office chair is great for someone who wants to wow colleagues with a mature, thoughtful business space.
Where can I get a mid century modern office chair?
1) Wayfair
When it comes to furniture, Wayfair offers the best of both worlds. Their goods, including their mid century modern office chairs, are stylish and affordable. You can get a sturdy task chair for less than $100 or a more distinguished seat for less than $350.
MCM office chair examples: Dovray ($126), Bradford ($139), Lithonia ($133)
2) France & Son
Wayfair’s chairs are affordable, but France & Son is the perfect option for luxury shoppers. Their mid century modern office chairs are robust and sleekly designed. If you dress to impress and enjoy the finer things in life, these are the chairs for you.
MCM office chair example: Brooks ($695)
3) Houzz
Started as a community for people to share home decor tips, Houzz has become a great ecommerce platform for finding stylish furniture. They’re more known for home decor than desk chairs, but they have plenty of great, affordable finds if you know where to look.
MCM office chair examples: Arvilla ($173), Rathburn ($259)
4) Laura Davidson
The Laura Davidson collection offers a fairly limited selection of classic office furniture. Still, there’s a reason they’re trusted by big-wigs like Apple, Disney, and Salesforce. Their chairs are sturdy and beautifully designed, reimagining classic Eames and Knoll designs.
MCM office chair examples: Rockefeller ($275), SOHO II Soft Pad ($450)
5) Icons of Manhattan
Icons of Manhattan has a simple philosophy: do one thing, and do it right. Their office chairs are handcrafted from premium materials and tailored to a mid-century modern style. If you want that Mad Men energy in your office (hopefully with a lot less angst), these are the chairs for you.
MCM office chair example: Ribbed Medium ($219)
6) Amazon
Yes, the internet’s premier shopping destination has a robust collection of mid century modern office chairs. Like with most products, their selection of seats is vast and can be hit or miss. Still, they’ve got stunning chairs available for any style, whether you care about comfort, class, or ergonomics.
MCM office chair examples: IDS Home Modern ($219), Art Leon MCM Swivel ($139)
7) AllModern
AllModern’s collection of desk chairs and other furniture truly embodies the mid century modern spirit. Their work is tight, angular, and functional above all. They’re part of the Wayfair family and they traffic in a number of modern styles, but their sleek chairs are perfect for any mid century modern space.
MCM office chair examples: Frederick ($229), Kealey ($349)
8) Overstock
Overstock is known as a one-stop shop for quality home goods at sub-wholesale prices. If you want a spiffy mid century modern office chair that won’t break the bank, they’re the first place to look. While they’re somewhat less reliable than the more upscale platforms on this list, their selection is massive.
MCM office chair example: Joseph Modern ($163)
9) Walmart
Hayneedle’s selection of mid-century modern office chairs falls somewhere between the minimal Laura Davidson and the endless Amazon catalog. Their array of mid-century designs is affordable and versatile, with chairs that match almost any style. While they may be part of the Walmart family, these chairs are anything but second-rate.
MCM office chair example: Waleaf ($97)
10) Target
Why splurge when you can save? As usual, Target is a hidden gem, offering a sturdy selection of mid century modern office chairs for some of the cheapest prices out there. Many of the chairs they offer are from the same designers as these other stores—Christopher Knight, LumiSource, Armen Living, etc.—at reduced prices.
MCM office chair example: Lombardi ($136)
A quality payroll service is one of the most invaluable tools any entrepreneur can have. Whether you’re a small business owner or an HR manager, paying your employees on time is crucial. This makes choosing a service even more weighty, after all, it is a heavy administrative burden. The good thing is, you can outsource this duty to an online payroll processor.
According to statistics, 49% of workers begin a new job search after just two paycheck errors, and with 65% of workers living paycheck to paycheck, it’s more important than ever to ensure an efficient, effective payroll process.
These services can save you precious time and mitigate potential issues. To make it easy for you to choose, we listed the best online payroll services for 2025.
Top 5 Online Payroll Services
Gusto
Gusto is a great option for both new and experienced payroll administrators, boasting an incredibly clean user interface and a first-rate payroll setup. Gusto lets you manage your employee’s time off (vacation and sick pay), company health insurance, and worker’s comp. Gusto offers excellent mobile access, too. This allows employees to manage aspects of their Gusto profiles, view payday insights, and access Gusto Wallet financial tools.
Gusto offers four tiers of membership, the most affordable of which is the Contractor’s Only plan, which offers unlimited U.S.-based and global contractor payments, supporting more than 100 countries, plus 1099 creation and filing at a rate of $6 per person per month with no base price.
The other three are Simple, Plus, and Premium. Here’s a deeper look into each plan:
Simple
Price:
$40/mo + $6/mo per person
Plan details:
- Full-service single-state payroll including W-2s and 1099s
- Employee profiles and self-service
- Basic hiring and onboarding tools
- Gusto-brokered health insurance administration
- Employee financial benefits
- Payroll and time-off reports
- Custom admin permissions
- Integrations for accounting, time tracking, expense management, and more
Plus
Price:
$80/mo + $12/mo per person
Plan details:
(All Simple plan features +)
- Full-service multi-state payroll including W-2s and 1099s
- Next-day direct deposit
- Advanced hiring and onboarding tools
- PTO management and policies
- Time tracking and project tracking
- Workforce costing and custom reports
- Team management tools
- Full support
Premium
Price:
Bespoke pricing, reach out for a personalized quote
Plan details:
(All Plus plan features +)
- HR Resource Center
- Compliance alerts
- Access to certified HR experts
- Full-service payroll migration and account setup
- Health insurance broker integration
- R&D tax credit discount
- Waived fees and exclusive pricing
- Performance reviews
- Employee surveys and insights
- Dedicated support
QuickBooks Online Payroll
Founded in 1983, Intuit is a California-based financial software company. Since its inception, Intuit has developed into one of the best-known providers of accounting software. Their online payroll service, QuickBooks, includes the essential features you need to run payroll.
QuickBooks offers three tiers of membership. The least expensive membership covers basic accounting features, such as invoices. For more features, check out the Essentials and Plus memberships. Each plan’s features are as follows:
QuickBooks Simple Start (2025)
- Price: $38/month for 1 user
- Best for: Freelancers and small teams with basic payroll needs
Features:
- Automated bookkeeping
- 5 free ACH bank transfers/mo for bills
QuickBooks Essentials (2025)
- Price: $75/month for 3 users
- Best for: Small businesses needing deeper financial tracking
Features:
- Includes all Simple Start features, plus:
- Recurring invoices
QuickBooks Plus (2025)
- Price: $115/month for 5 users
- Best for: Growing businesses with HR and compliance needs
Features:
- Includes all Essentials features, plus:
- AI-powered profit & loss insights
- Anomaly detection and resolution
- Budgeting
QuickBooks Advanced (2025)
- Price: $275/month for 25 users
- Best for: Established businesses with HR and compliance needs
Features:
- Includes all Plus features, plus:
- Custom user management and permissions
- Custom report builder
- Data sync with Excel
- Revenue recognition
- Forecasting
OnPay
OnPay is a cloud-based full-service payroll processing system capable of running payroll according to a preset schedule, automatically disbursing wages, and calculating and withholding taxes.
OnPay can sync up with several other software your team is already using, making it easy to integrate the service into your team’s system. Another benefit of OnPays model is the simple, transparent pricing structure. No tiers; just one base rate.
Pricing:
$49/mo + $6/mo per employee
SurePayroll
SurePayroll’s award-winning service supports W-2 employees and 1099 contractors. Additionally, it handles 401(k) deductions and manages flexible spending accounts (FSA) and health savings accounts (HSA).
SurePayroll also offers a mobile app— available on both Apple and Android devices.
SurePayroll offers live support through its United States-based support team through chat, email, or phone.
Small Business Payroll
- Price: No Tax Filing: $20/month + $4 per employee, Full Service: $29/month + $7 per employee
- Best for: Small businesses and startups
Features:
- We file and deposit your federal and state taxes!
- Run payroll in 3 simple steps
- Schedule payroll to run automatically
- Unlimited payroll runs and free 2-day direct deposit
- Reports and pay stubs are available online 24/7
- Supports W-2 employees and 1099 contractors
Nanny & Household Payroll
- Price: Full-Service Household, $39/month, includes 1 employee, $10 per additional employee
Best for: Homeowners
Features:
- Signature-ready Schedule H
- We file & deposit your federal and state taxes!
- Run payroll in 3 simple steps
- Schedule payroll to run automatically
- Unlimited payroll runs and free 2-day direct deposit
- Reports & paystubs available online 24/7
- Supports W-2 employees & 1099 contractors
Be sure to choose a payroll service that works for your business, and provides you with the peace of mind that comes with a reliable bookkeeping system. Your employees will thank you.
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