It’s that time of year again, kids. When the papers, readings, projects, quizzes, and assignments are piling up to immeasurable heights to the point where it is so overwhelming that it simply just will not get done. Or maybe that’s only me. Maybe all other students have a handle on their lives for the most part.
It does not matter what kind of inherently successful situation I put myself in to get work done. I can be in the tidiest, quietest working environment with a huge coffee, a good notebook, the necessary reading materials, my laptop with a social media site blocking system that WILL NOT let me become distracted by internet fun, and I will still find myself looking for all possible ways to not get work done, including staring off into space at the dust collecting on inanimate objects because hey, that looks like it needs to be cleaned! This is the perfect time for that to be cleaned! Or better yet, let’s do laundry! YOU HATE LAUNDRY BUT YOU HAVE A TEN PAGE PAPER DUE TOMORROW, CLAIRE! LET’S DO SOME LAUNDRY! Again, maybe this is just me.
When I’ve become nearly unresponsive and unfocused while studying, what does help me to become centered and motivated is a good old dance session to some upbeat tunes. It gets the blood flow going and warms up the body after sitting for a long period of time. It also gets me pumped and ready for some knowledge!
If you happen to fall into my end of the student spectrum of exhaustion or just need something fun to do during a study break, take the time to shake your brain and body out like an Etch-A-Sketch! Below is my go-to playlist of favorites, so please enjoy, or create your own playlist! [FYI: Some songs contain explicit language/content!]
Flawless*** – Beyoncé [Feat. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie]
Naturally, starting off with the Queen herself, this song is in your face with the power, so it kind of almost forces you to accomplish goals because you woke up like dis and can do anything! The remix of this song featuring Nicki Minaj is just as good.
My Body – Young the Giant
Just listening to those opening drums make me wanna get up and thrash about but then the chorus happens and I start SCREAMING THE WORDS. Just you wait, you will, too.
Raspberry Beret – Prince
Classic, classic Prince. The song choice is interchangeable because everything Prince does is dance worthy. Even “When Doves Cry”.
i – Kendrick Lamar
It’s all about confidence and self love with this jam. Take a moment, listen to the words, and breathe. Also the retro electric guitar and percussion sounds have the power to soothe for some reason.
Shuffle – Bombay Bicycle Club
Every time I hear this song, my feet can’t help but move, and sometimes, that’s all that’s needed.
Cameo Lover – Kimbra [Live at Sing Sing Studio version]
Kimbra’s soulful vocals combined with pop/electric music and lyrics are perfect for grooves. This one is certainly catchy enough to repeat over and over again.
Claire Larson