I am a big fan of meditation and silence for improving my creative work. When the chatter of the conscious mind stops, the inner creative mind gets a chance to express itself. Rather, we can say, when the chatter stops we can hear the insights presented by our subconscious mind.

About 70% of my ideas appeared this way. Mostly early in the morning at 4.30 am. These are insights that pop up to us in full clarity because there is nothing else to compete for attention. No deadlines, no managers pressing us with mundane pie charts and calling it the breakthrough insight. 

Just me and my cup of hot tea, as I write down fiercely the stuff that my inner mind whispers out. 

But a research by British Columbia university suggests, a little bit of ambient noise is conducive to creativity. Rather than total silence the noise levels in a café is supposed to be good for creative work.

Really? I had my doubts.

But then, it's always better to entertain the other point of view. I asked myself, there must be a reason creative people meet so often in a café? And many writers like to write in restaurants and cafes, Hemingway being one of them. J.K. Rowling, too. 

The logic behind this study suggests, a little bit of distraction in the background helps in the creative process. The buzzing conversations in a café and the clinking crockery sounds make it perfect for the mind engaged in creative work.

Now, I found train journey helpful in creating ideas. But café in these times of pandemic is a big NO!

So, I experimented with the next best thing. And created the cafe ambience in the house.

Don't be surprised, there are apps which helps you create café like atmosphere. I took my hot cup of coffee and plugged the earphone in. I chose a café track with a band playing. And it really felt good. Better than the relaxing sea wave and waterfall sound streams.

I recommend, you play around with this trick. Find out the right café ambience track for yourself. Or, change the café often if you wish to change things.

While waiting for original, insightful ideas I still prefer my early morning silent zone. A café atmosphere helps when you are working on ideas already in your head. It takes you in a zone where expanding ideas, adding layers to them feels natural. 

............................................................................................................................
Here is one such Coffee Shop Background Noise Generator!