They make nice headphones called in ear monitors that block out sound somewhat better. Maybe something like that for subtle but also noise canceling. For what

They make nice headphones called in ear monitors that block out sound somewhat better. Maybe something like that for subtle but also noise canceling. For what to listen to I would suggest audiobooks. Go for nonfiction that's really compelling to you, or that long form fiction you've always wanted to read (lord of the rings perhaps). With 4 hours per days you'll be working through multiple books per week. You might even look back on this time as the delightful period when you got to read all those book you'd always wanted to. Shorter commute would be preferable but above would be my suggestion till then.