This app was mentioned in 38 comments, with an average of 2.37 upvotes
I like the look of Relax Melodies, but mostly Android apps don't strike me as beautiful. Functional? Yes. But not beautiful. Maybe some games would fit in that category though.
You need to isolate yourself from distractions. Put your phone on airplane mode (or even just turn it off). Use a website blocker to prevent yourself accessing the sites that distract you (reddit, social media, etc.)
Then break down what you need to do into small chunks. Maybe it's as simple as "read slides from Lecture X, then Lecture Y, then Lecture Z." Or maybe it's "write flashcards for Lecture X, then practice with Lecture X flashcards, then take the Lecture X practice questions from the textbook." Whatever it is, break it down into a distinct list. As you complete each step, mark it off, then take a quick break doing something NOT ONLINE. Maybe go get a snack/drink, take a short walk, play with your dog, stretch, etc. Then get back to the list.
I also think the library is the worst place to study, it's so distracting. I recommend an empty classroom.
Finally, if you're trying to isolate yourself acoustically using music, don't. Or at least don't use music you know that you'll end up paying attention to. I personally like to listen to video game soundtracks (big fan of Mass Effect and Stardew Valley for this) or classical piano music. You can also use white noise generators; I like the Relax Melodies app for white noise + storm sounds.
it's called "Relax Melodies"
android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=ipnossoft.rma.free&hl=en
iOS: https://appsto.re/us/z6TVs.i
idk if those links will work but they should. the app is fuckin great and i really paid like $10 to unlock all of the sounds/have the ability to save my mixes and such. you can change the volume of each individual sound too, which is tight. i usually do forest rain + thunderstorm + rain on tent + campfire. or river + slow waves + lapping water. knocks me right out.
Ongoing ambience on Headspace would be nice. I use a Bluetooth headband and another app for ambient noise. The free version of Relax Melodies (iOS) (Android) has been working for me the last two years since I only use a couple different sounds. Figured I'd share in case you wanted a workaround option. You can combine sounds, customize them and save options, set timers, etc.
Happy 💤
Relax Melodies is my goto for sleep sounds and I could not recommend it more strongly. It comes with a great library of sounds, and both binaural and isochronic brain waves. You can layer multiple sounds and/or waves, save your favorites and set a sleep timer. It also has some pre-sleep meditations and other goodies.
Give it a try for a few nights, I think you'll be impressed.
It was a few years ago now and I don't get it anymore, but IIRC this one. That being said I had quite a few so this may just be one of the better ones to use.
It allows you to customise it a lot.
I use an app called bettersleep. I sometimes have trouble sleeping so this is the best I can recommend.Download Bettersleep on Google Play Store
Sometimes I'll just use a regular fan for white noise. But if I use an app, I really like BetterSleep which is available on both Android and iOS.
I believe there is a free tier although some stuff is gated behind a premium subscription. I got a lifetime license so I don't need to worry about a monthly fee.
The missus and I use a white noise app called Relax Melodies: Sleep Sounds to Calm & Meditate
Short of opening a dialogue with your neighbour, which sounds like a total pain in the hoop, this might be your next best option. You can pay for extra sounds but for the last approx six years we've just used the free ones every night and despite living on a busy crossroads for foot traffic, I can't think of a time screeching kids have woken me up in that whole time.
I introduced my pal to it recently as he was having issues with his flatmate. He said it took a day or two for him to really get into the swing of it but now he says he can't do without.
I use android app Relax Melodies: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=ipnossoft.rma.free
Occasionally while at my desk I'll use the Star Trek "engine noise" sound, it's pretty similar to a brown noise: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DydIK14AvXI
Tons of apps in the play store that does that. You can even customize some of them to play music on top of the rain. Try thesese two for a starter:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=ipnossoft.rma.free or https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.beltone.tinnitus
Relax Melodies - Has tons of different sounds to mix and match, has guided sleep programs for Insomnia, Stress, Falling Asleep Faster, Deep Sleep, Relaxation, Dreams, Tinnitus, and more. Also has visual prompts for timing your breathing during the day if you need a break. You can also discover sound combinations other users have made.
I have an app, it is initially free and you can pay for the full version but the free sounds/songs work for me. Perhaps you can play sounds/songs while you sleep? This is obviously a short term solution though, see a therapist ASAP.
I use this one Relax Melodies: Sleep & Yoga and I used to use this one as well Calming Music to Simplicity.
Alternatively if you want these types of noises and many more for free, the best app on Android is called
FREEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
I haven't used Android in a couple of years, but it looks like the app I have on my iPhone exists for Android too.
It's really nice. Really helps me deal with my anxiety.
I saw this one before here on LPT, perhaps someone can find it.
My favorite solution from the last time it was posted, and I have tried this to great effect when under high pressure:
Get headphones and play Brownian Noise (aka Brown Noise) for 25 minutes and work hard for those 25 minutes - then take a 5 minute break.
Even though it seems weird that you are taking breaks so often - you actually get more done in focused 25 minutes than you can accomplish in unfocused 90+ minutes.
It's called the Pomodoro Technique. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pomodoro_Technique
Here is someone that created a 25 minute background noise with an egg timer countdown: https://soundcloud.com/hzs1kc3b55xw/pomodoro-with-brown-noise
Personally I use a Smartphone App called relax melodies for my 25 minutes of brown noise. The app has a built in timer to turn it off and a bunch of other background/relaxation sounds: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=ipnossoft.rma.free
If you don't want to go the app route you can find brown noise on Youtube or just download a MP3 file of brown noise here: https://archive.org/details/TenMinutesOfWhiteNoisePinkNoiseAndBrownianNoise
I suggest the MP3 VBR version from there. It's a 10 minute file so you'll have to loop it and set a separate timer for the 25 minutes.
Do you have a phone? Do you have speakers that will carry your phone's sound? If so then get free app Relaxing Melodies. You can set white noise, pink noise, all sorts of soothing sounds with sleep timer. Fans, clothes dryer, vacuum, wind chimes, city noises, rain on tent, etc.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/relax-melodies-sleep-zen-sounds/id314498713?mt=8
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=ipnossoft.rma.free
available on kindle too.
I downloaded it for a friend and now he can't sleep without it. He had me put it on all his devices.
With headphones you can use the binaural beats to help you sleep.
Good luck.
I also use this app on my smartphone, which has Brown noise presets as well as a bunch of other background meditation sounds:
I didn't bother with the 'pro' upgrade which gives you a bunch more guided meditations. The free version was perfect for me.
There's was a cool app that had cave sounds, among others (rain, river, etc) but it went paywall 😟
Relax Music - allows you to mix sounds together
I had to wear a vest for a job so I found a local artist at the Saturday Market who made custom designs and had one fitted and found it exceedingly comfortable. I'm not sure if it's doing the weighted blanket/thundershirt thing but it feels good regardless.
Sometimes when I'm feeling too stressed out or alone I use ambient sounds like Relax Melodies for Android. There's also A Soft Murmur the extremely customizable Ambient Mixer, and countless playlists on Youtube like Star Trek ship sounds.
There's a pair of earbuds called Here Active Listening that seem really interesting, they have an EQ to control the frequencies that get through, but there's a waiting list. Quality earplugs like for musicians can be really expensive but can last a really long time.
Check out "Relax Melodies: Sleep & Yoga" - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=ipnossoft.rma.free
The one I have is Relax Melodies
This is the one I had. You can set a timer and shut off the screen.
Mediate. I can't help you as I'm also in same field. Plus add mediation music.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=ipnossoft.rma.free
I use this app sometimes. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=ipnossoft.rma.free You can make or modify the mixes
I use this rain simulation app. You can customize your perfect make me fall asleep sound.
I used this app 24/7, I created my own mix and volume.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=ipnossoft.rma.free&hl=en
In the google app store it's Relax Melodies: Sleep Sounds. There's a free version and a paid version, both are good!
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=ipnossoft.rma.free
Here yah go! :D
You're welcome. :)