Why Your Brain’s Overloaded (and How the Right Headphones Can Fix It)
By Shannon Kate Murray, Founder & Editor of High Flying DesignIf you’ve found it harder to concentrate lately, you’re not alone - and you’re definitely not lazy. According to cognitive scientists, our brains can only consciously process around three to five things at once before accuracy drops. That’s because of a limitation called working memory - the part of your brain that temporarily stores and manipulates information while you think.
Psychologist George A. Miller once described this as “the magical number seven, plus or minus two,” but modern research, including studies published in Nature Neuroscience, shows the number’s actually closer to four.
In other words: when you’re trying to manage your inbox, your client messages, your website update, your kid’s after-school club, and dinner plans all at once… your brain’s at full capacity.
No wonder it feels noisy.
Your focus problem isn’t your motivation - it’s your environment
Even mild background noise (traffic, conversations, the ping of notifications) can reduce your ability to retain and recall information. In fact, University College London researchers found that multitasking and distraction can temporarily lower your IQ by up to 10 points - the equivalent of pulling an all-nighter.
We live in a world that constantly competes for our attention. And when every sound or vibration steals a sliver of focus, it chips away at the energy you could be using to build, create, or simply breathe.
That’s why sometimes the smartest business investment isn’t another software subscription - it’s silence.
Why noise-cancelling headphones actually work
Noise-cancelling headphones use a technique called active noise control: tiny microphones detect ambient sound and create soundwaves that mirror and cancel it. The result is measurable relief for your brain’s filtering system - giving you back mental bandwidth for deep work, creativity, or even a mindful rest.
As Daniel Levitin writes in his book The Organised Mind:
“Attention is a limited resource. We allocate it like currency, spending it on what seems most urgent.”
When you remove unnecessary noise, you’re no longer overspending your attention on what doesn’t matter.
The Best Wireless Headphones for Focused Founders (2025 Edition)
We asked female founders what they’re using to create calm, focused spaces - from kitchen tables to co-working hubs - and here’s what came out on top.
1) Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (Gen 2)
Price: ≈ £449
Why founders love them: buttery-soft comfort, best-in-class noise cancellation, spatial sound, crystal-clear calls
Perfect for: hybrid working, travel days, deep-focus sessions
I used to think I needed more discipline to focus. Turns out, I just needed to hear less. Headphones have become my boundary - my signal to the world (and my brain) that it’s focus time.
How to Choose the Best Wireless Headphones for You
Here’s what to look for when finding the pair that fits your lifestyle, focus style, and budget:
If deep focus is your goal: Look for Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). It blocks background hums (like traffic or chatter) so your brain doesn’t waste energy filtering them out.
→ Best picks: Bose QuietComfort Ultra or Sony WH-1000XM5
If comfort is everything: Prioritise plush ear pads, adjustable headbands, and a lighter frame. You’ll forget you’re wearing them — even during long writing or editing days.
If you’re always on the go: Choose something foldable, lightweight, and travel-ready with strong battery life.
→ Best picks: Anker Soundcore or JBL Tune 760NC
If you switch between devices: Multi-point Bluetooth lets you connect your laptop, phone, and tablet seamlessly.
If you’re a creative who lives by sound: Opt for Hi-Res Audio or Spatial Sound modes to keep clarity crisp during editing or brainstorming sessions.
→ Best picks: Beats Studio Pro or Sony WH-1000XM5
You don’t need to overhaul your life to feel clearer. You just need to create the conditions for clarity.
So this Black Friday, before you buy another course or planner (tempting, we know), consider investing in the quiet that lets your best ideas surface.
You’ll also like:
Deep Work by Cal Newport or Stolen Focus by Johann Hari (if you’d like to go deeper into how attention really works)
Why You’re Tired at 3PM (And How Your Office Might Be To Blame)
This article contains affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase - at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we genuinely love and think you'll find useful on your founder journey.
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