There is this monster that lives in our brains, who messes everything up when it’s overloaded with ‘problems’, especially if they are the ones it cannot ‘solve’. Caffeine is a temporary solution to curb the destruction, but I’m sure there must be a better way. After trying many different methods such as taking power naps that extend to an hour of sleep, or giving up just to see an ‘F’ on the paper the next day, I found a more persistent solution. All you need is a good playlist and earphones (so that your roommate doesn’t crib about you disturbing them). It might be childlike and absurd to say, but this is exactly where imagination leads my brain when I’m awake till six in the morning, trying to study for a mathematics exam. So, here are the top songs in my playlist that help me concentrate and study math:
1. THIS FEELING by THE CHAINSMOKERS ft. KELSEA BALLERINI
Beginning with an evergreen high-spirited song always motivates me to start fresh. Listening to artists like One Direction, Taylor Swift, or Ed Sheeran helps to maintain an enthusiastic tone that emits positivity. That positivity becomes very essential when you sit to study mathematics or any difficult portion that requires brainpower and gets very exhausting eventually. Starting with a rejuvenated mind can accelerate the productivity of our brain.
2. ‘TAKI TAKI‘ by DJ SNAKE ft. SELENA GOMEZ, OZUNA, CARDI B
The reason I listen to this song very often is because of the repetitive underlying tune that plays throughout the song, probably played by a flute, which is very enticing for the listeners. The repetition of beats in the song makes me feel more calm while I am solving more and more questions, and motivates me to carry on. Sometimes, song lyrics can get distracting and shift your concentration from mathematics to a fairy tale world of love and romance. Songs having lyrics in languages you may not understand, or instrumental music are a good way to get back on track. Korean music or songs like Despacito are a good alternative to this song.
3. STATISTICS by TIMOTHEE CHALAMET
The mathematical puns used in this song are really interesting. It is fun to relate basic concepts of math to lyrics of the song. The attitude and confidence in lines such as ‘the probability you will see me on TV’ or ‘prove everywhere that your boy is the best’ is a good way of building confidence within yourself and breaking the stereotype that math is very difficult. This light song is a good way to chill.
4. POLAROID by IMAGINE DRAGONS
The lyrics as well as the unique tune of the song make it one of the top songs on my playlist. The refrain ‘can’t slow down’ is a very motivating line that repeats many times in the song. The dry, brutally honest tone of this songs makes it seem as if it is your brain speaking out the lyrics to you, telling you to carry on.
5. IN MY BLOOD by SHAWN MENDES
When your brain is saturated and all you want to do is burn your mathematics book, I strongly suggest listening to this song. All your emotions are iterated in the lyrics of the song; it begins with the very relatable words ‘Help me!’ However, the bridge and the chorus which goes “This isn’t in my blood” is the best persuasion to not give up on yourself and math.
It is scientifically proven that music helps to concentrate and improve memory, attention, and the ability to do mental math. Everybody has a different taste in music and may not like the songs I have shortlisted. However, it is from my personal experience that I advise everybody to listen to music while studying math. Not only does it develop help your focus, it also prevents you from getting distracted by gossip that your roommate might be discussing with the guests they have invited over. It is the best way of secluding yourself from distractions, yet enjoying and concentrating on your work.
Edited by Pragyna Divakar