Alright, everyone, finals week is among us (unfortunately). One thing that has always gotten me through finals week is a good playlist. Whether I am studying or taking a break and driving down the road to buy Starbucks that I do not need, I have music playing. So here are a few tips on making a well-rounded playlist for finals week, plus a few song recommendations from yours truly.
1. Lo-fi Music
One thing that I have recently fallen in love with is lo-fi music. Lo-fi is wordless music with an almost nostalgic feel and my goodness does it make me feel productive. For example, a few weeks ago I had a nine-page paper that I had to write while simultaneously having the worst writer’s block. I decided to give a random lo-fi playlist a chance and managed to get four pages of writing out in a matter of a few hours. Obviously, that is just my experience, but there’s actually science that backs up lo-fi making you more productive. According to experts, lo-fi basically “cocoons” you, allowing your mind to relax and focus by blocking out unpredictable and harsh noises around you. It’s the perfect thing to listen to when you really need to focus on absorbing information.
2. Throwbacks
If you’re anything like me, you’re a big fan of taking breaks when you’re studying for finals. I hate feeling like I have fried my brain and after a while, I just shut off. Those breaks are a great time for throwback songs. Anything you can jam out to and dance around your kitchen while singing is sure to give your brain a much-needed break, as well as take some of the stress off your shoulders for a small period of time. High School Musical, anyone?
3. Christmas Music
Since it is now December and Michael Bublé has been defrosted, break out those Christmas jams! Reminding myself of what is to come after I finish my finals really gets me back on the road of productivity because I know that the faster I finish finals, the faster I can watch The Santa Claus on repeat while I inhale sugar cookies.
And finally,
4. Those songs that you yell-sing in the car
Y’all know which ones I am talking about. The songs that you know every lyric too that you yell aggressively in your car to get energy out. These songs are really great when you’re driving to go buy another overpriced coffee or your second RedBull of the day. I for one, am a very large fan of “Girlfriend” by Avril Lavine to yell in my car and I’m sure the people next to me at stoplights just love my dance moves. However, I always feel less tense after songs like these, even if I can’t relate to the lyrics, because there’s just something so soothing about yelling a song at the top of your lungs in the car.
Now for some song recommendations that fit into all four of these categories:
- “Creswick” by Aviino (Lo-fi)
- “Riverside Drive” by auv (Lo-fi)
- “Frozen Firs” by goosetaf, xander., and Anbuu (Lo-fi)
- “Tricky” by Run-DMC (Throwbacks)
- All 3 High School Musical Albums (Throwbacks)
- “Tonight Tonight” by Hot Chelle Rae (Throwbacks)
- “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” (I enjoy the Tyler, the Creator version and the Pentatonix one)
- “All I Want For Christmas Is You” by Mariah Carey
- “Mary, Did You Know?” by Pentatonix
- “Hayloft” by Mother Mother (Yell in the car)
- “Left Hand Free” by alt-J (Yelling)
- “Show Me How You Burlesque” by Christina Aguilera (Yelling)
I hope that these music recommendations help pep you up while studying, Happy Finals Week everyone and good luck!
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