As we get deeper into the semester, most of us are seeing a rapid increase in assignments, exams, and deadlines. Add on extracurriculars, a social life, family visits, and much-needed mental health days and you’ve got a packed schedule. It can be difficult to prioritize studying or homework during busy weeks, especially when it’s tedious or, let’s be honest, quite boring.
It’s perfectly okay to admit that, for most of us, it’s necessary, not enjoyable. If you happen to find yourself in a class that you do enjoy or the topic genuinely interests you, that’s AMAZING! Keep doing what works for you!
For anyone that is struggling to study consistently or productively, listening to music might actually help! Yes, music.
Creating a relaxing, quiet space to focus is important for productivity. For a lot of students, relaxing, chill beats can reduce stress, increase mood and motivation, and improve brain stimulation. Listening to soothing sounds promotes a more positive mindset and decreases psychological stressors and anxiety – which we could all use after an exhausting week. It can also help with concentration and memorization by allowing your brain to associate studying with an enjoyable experience. Chances are, when an experience is more fun, you’re more likely to put more effort into it, remember it, and better absorb information.
Of course, music can be distracting for some depending on the type of music, task, and student. Lyrics might make it hard to comprehend certain information or the volume could disturb your concentration, so picking certain songs or genres will matter. If this is the case for you, try out some lofi beats or instrumental songs! There are tons of songs and playlists to choose from. Who knows, you could discover your new favorite artist!
If you’ve been finding it difficult to study productively lately, this study tip could spark some newfound motivation. Study habits will vary from person to person and can depend on the class, so it’s best to do what works for you. If listening to music doesn’t end up working out for you, it can always be a reward!