top of page
Search

Exam preparation: How do I leverage sound healing to improve mental clarity and focus?

Feeling overwhelmed by revision? Struggling to focus while studying for an exam? What if the key to sharper concentration & reduced stress lies not in more caffeine—but in sound?


Sound healing, an ancient practice using vibrational frequencies, is gaining scientific recognition for its ability to enhance mental clarity, reduce anxiety, and improve cognitive performance. For students preparing for exams, it offers a natural, non-invasive way to optimise focus and calm the mind.


In this article, we’ll explore how sound healing can support your study routine, backed by recent research. Whether you're revising for GCSEs, A-levels, or university finals, discover how tuning into the right frequencies might just be your secret study hack.



How Sound Healing Can Support Your Study Routine

  • First, become mindful of the sounds you surround yourself with: During exam preparation, the sounds you surround yourself with can have a profound impact on your focus, mood, and stress levels. Becoming mindful of your auditory environment helps you filter out distracting or anxiety-inducing noise—like traffic or chatter—and instead choose sounds that support concentration and calm.

  • As part of your personal soundscape, consider engaging with & playing natural sounds as you study: A 2021 study examined the impact of nature sounds on university students. The results showed that exposure to relaxing nature sounds improved psychological well-being and cognitive performance, including flow state, attention, and working memory. If you're close to a local park or forest, consider taking part in some nature/forest bathing - you'll feel better for it!


  • Play white noise at 45 dB in the background: White noise refers to a consistent sound that contains all frequencies audible to the human ear, played at equal intensity. It creates a kind of "static" or "shushing" effect that masks other environmental sounds, helping improve focus, relaxation, and sleep.


    A 2022 study investigated the effects of white noise on cognitive performance. The findings revealed that white noise at 45 dB enhanced sustained attention, accuracy, and speed of performance, as well as creativity, while also reducing stress levels. If you're a Spotify subscriber, search for playlists such as 'White Noise for Focus'. There are white noise apps too, but even just a household soft fan will do! If you're unsure how loud 45db is, look for a decibel meter app on Google or Apple app store.


  • Use binaural beats to shift your brainwave state quickly: Explore binaural beats designed to promote relaxation and concentration. One of the most famous binaural beat tracks you can find is called 'Weightless' by Marconi Union, and is named as the world's most relaxing track. You can listen to this here. But there are plenty of binaural beat tracks on YouTube, Spotify, and even binaural beats apps.


  • Attend live group sound baths: While listening at home is great— feeling is more powerful. In-person sound healing lets you experience the vibrations of gongs, Himalayan singing bowls, crystal bowls, and more as they move through your body, helping to calm your nervous system, clear mental fog, and support deep focus. It’s not just about hearing—it’s full-body tuning for the mind and spirit. Perfect for stressed-out students or anyone needing clarity.


    We at Found in Sound run regular group sessions in Greenwich, London, as well as ad hoc sessions in Bromley & Bristol. You can view our upcoming dates here, but if we aren't running a session close to you, google "sound baths near me" to find alternative, local options. If you'd prefer a more tailored and personalised experience, we also offer 1-2-1s.


Final Thoughts

When it comes to studying for an exam, your environment matters—and that includes what you’re listening to. By consciously curating your soundscape, whether through nature sounds, white noise, binaural beats, or immersive sound healing sessions, you can create the inner calm and mental clarity needed to focus and thrive.


Sound isn’t just something you hear—it’s something you feel, and when used intentionally, it becomes a powerful tool for managing stress and enhancing cognitive performance. So next time you sit down to revise, take a moment to tune in—not just to your books, but to your body and your surroundings. You might just find your most productive rhythm yet.


Wishing you clarity and success in your studies!


Citations

Awada, M., Becerik-Gerber, B., Lucas, G. et al. "Cognitive performance, creativity and stress levels of neurotypical young adults under different white noise levels." Sci Rep 12, 14566 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-18862-w


Ruirui Zhu, Liyun Yuan, Yanting Pan, Yefan Wang, Danping Xiu, Weiyi Liu,

"Effects of natural sound exposure on health recovery: A systematic review and meta-analysis." Science of The Total Environment, Volume 921, 2024,171052, ISSN 0048-9697,https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171052



Weiss, Haley. "Tuning in to Your Most-Ignored Sense Can Make You Happier." Time Magazine: https://time.com/6244162/how-sound-can-improve-happiness


There's also plenty of scientific research on how sound boosts wellbeing and health in this blog post of mine.



 
 
 

Comments

bottom of page