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Ask HN: How do you focus at work?

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Re: Ask HN: How do you focus at work?

#61

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Adderall works but I find Vyvanse to be less intrusive and allows for greater behavioral flexibility which is a must if youre doing any kind of teamwork Its been around for a while but compared to dexmethylphenidate, or Adderall proper, it doesnt have as much of the euphoria that makes it difficult to objectively assess work output, what with the slower acting formulation (but this seems kind of a given, since its a…

Thanks for sharing. Do you get good sleep with Vyvanse? The only -ve side effect I'm feeling from 5 mg XR Addy is that I fall asleep somewhat late (like mid-night or later) and wake up a couple of times, and get only 7 hours of sleep. Don't have headaches though, but I would love to get a deep sleep while on it.

I've been supplementing with a lot of vitamins despite the evidence that suggests that absorption of supplements is not the same as the ingestion of, for example, fish products to get naturally synthesized omega 3 protein. I've found that a mix of good foods that you enjoy eating, as well as other dietary changes mentioned above, has been a huge boon. Furthermore, any kind of exercise is good but I have found positive mood related changes as a response to recently getting an electric bike which has helped to get regular bursts of exercise throughout the day when I get bored of being around my apartment.

Much like how interleaved learning is a key trick to use to deeply learn subject matter, I've found interleaving a diverse set of activities has been key to finding that physical "balance" - human body itself is more than sophisticated enough to handle the self regulation itself but without the right component inputs your jets aren't going to be running at peak performance

Re: Ask HN: How do you focus at work?

#62
post #49

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I own the Bose QC25 and have never really been happy with its capability to block human voices. Perhaps the QC35 are better. I also read that the Sony noise cancelling headphones (MDR-1000x and successors) have eclipsed the Bose ones in noise-cancelling quality. Anyhow, having to charge (or change batteries) for headphones every day is really annoying. My current setup involves in-ear monitors (Massdrop x MEE Audio P…

The QC25’s are on sale right now for $120 which I’ve heard is insanely cheap. Do you still not recommend them for that cheap of a price? I was just about to bite the bullet on it.

> for $120 which I’ve heard is insanely cheap

What? My earphones are $15. What do $120 headphones do to deserve being 8 times more expensive?

Re: Ask HN: How do you focus at work?

#63
Currently I get my best work done in a cafe. Usually, without using headphones. There is the usual cafe background noises.

I find it hard to work from my small apartment, whether family is around or not, music or no music.

I forget the term but I think it has to do with the fact that I use this same room to watch TV, play video games, sleep, and eat meals. My desk and bed are only inches apart.

Re: Ask HN: How do you focus at work?

#64
For me, I have found it hard to focus mostly only when I have another externality in my life on my mind or something outside of work causing stress (mentally).

I also like to listen to video game music via rainwave.cc (OCRemix Radio basically), Bandcamp, or (this may be strange) the classic Retronauts podcasts (still available on Archive.org, not the new ones).

Re: Ask HN: How do you focus at work?

#65
post #34

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Many have said that noise cancellation does not work for coworkers' voices. Is that your experience or are these for another reason?

The QC's don't completely wash out background noise. If you listen to your music loud enough (which is probably too loud), you literally won't hear anything around you. But normal use, I find that it muffles outside voices enough not to get distracted, but not so much to the point where if someone says my name I can respond. An added plus, is people will bother you less if you're wearing them. Sometimes I like wearin…

I do this too, sometimes I just don't want to listen to other people in the other.

Re: Ask HN: How do you focus at work?

#66
post #62

Earlier quoted context omitted.

The QC25’s are on sale right now for $120 which I’ve heard is insanely cheap. Do you still not recommend them for that cheap of a price? I was just about to bite the bullet on it.

> for $120 which I’ve heard is insanely cheap What? My earphones are $15. What do $120 headphones do to deserve being 8 times more expensive?

Active noise cancellation?

Re: Ask HN: How do you focus at work?

#67

Earlier quoted context omitted.

If you listen to music on normal volume while the noise cancellation is on, you can drown out anything.

I used to do that, and got tinnitus. Now, I try to keep the volume pretty low

Hm that sounds kind of worrying, but maybe we have different definitions of normal volume? I've been using noise cancelling headphones pretty much daily for 3 years and still no tinnitus in sight.

Re: Ask HN: How do you focus at work?

#70

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I used to do that, and got tinnitus. Now, I try to keep the volume pretty low

Hm that sounds kind of worrying, but maybe we have different definitions of normal volume? I've been using noise cancelling headphones pretty much daily for 3 years and still no tinnitus in sight.

I also had some sinus issues that likely contributed. I really did have the headphones on for at least 8 hours a day. Then going home watching TV, not getting enough sleep. I'm guessing it all added up.
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