Creating the right listening environment

Listen to your personalised audio somewhere quiet and comfortable, with headphones, and never while driving or operating machinery.

Last reviewed 8 August 2026

Listen to your personalised audio in a quiet, comfortable place, using headphones, at a time when you can give it your full attention. One firm safety rule: never listen while driving or operating machinery: the audio guides you into a relaxed, inwardly focused state that is not compatible with either.

The essentials

  • Quiet. Choose a space where you won't be interrupted for the length of the session. Silence your phone or use Do Not Disturb.
  • Comfortable. Sit or lie somewhere supportive: a comfortable chair, recliner or bed all work.
  • Headphones. They bring your practitioner's voice close, block out background noise and keep the session private.
  • Uninterrupted time. Let others in the house know you're taking the time, especially for your first few listens.

The safety rule

Never listen while driving or operating machinery. Your session is designed to focus your attention inward and relax you deeply, which is exactly what you don't want behind the wheel. Save it for a time and place where switching off is safe.

Building the habit

The same environment each time helps the routine stick. Same chair, same time of day, headphones on. If you're listening regularly (see how often should I listen), a consistent setup makes each session easier to drop into. For children's audio, a parent may sit in while the child listens.

Common questions

Q: Can I listen in bed before sleep? A: Yes. Lying comfortably in bed is fine. Many clients working on sleep listen at bedtime.

Q: Do I have to use headphones? A: They are recommended rather than required. Headphones improve clarity and privacy, particularly in a busy household.

Q: Can I listen while commuting? A: Not while driving. Never listen while driving or operating machinery. Choose a time when you can be still and safe.

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Written by

Abi McIntyre

Medical author and researcher with over 10 years of experience, specialising in mental health.

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Clinically reviewed by

Paul Smith

Dip.Clin.Hyp. Dip.Psych.Th.

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