My first finals week is just about to begin. As an English major, I have to deal with multiple papers and several extensive projects. The stress level is climbing every day. However, I find I write best and pay the most attention to my work when I am playing music. Spotify's pre-made focus playlists are my favorite to listen to when I'm stuck on an essay or trying to find the right word. They're even good for just relaxing in my room after going on an essay-writing rampage. These playlists keep me motivated and keep me working, even when the procrastinator in me is begging to watch Vine compilations for hours.
1. "Deep Focus" by Spotify
This playlist is perfect for those late-night cram sessions. With instrumental ambient songs that seemingly mesh together into one, Deep Focus really hits the mark for great study playlists.
2. "Stranger Things, Vol. 1" and "Stranger Things, Vol. 2" by Kyle Dixon & Michael Stein
These two soundtracks from the Netflix original TV show "Stranger Things" may add that hauntingly menacing feeling to the show, but to your study habits, they block out the distracting noise of your library, dorm room, or (if you're like me and actually study here) the dining hall. What I love most about this soundtrack is its uncanny ability to elicit excitement from listening to songs I know while also not distracting me from my work.
3. "Rain Sounds" by Spotify
This one is pretty self-explanatory — hard rain, soft drizzle, thunderstorm, and everything in between. I listen to this playlist when I don't want to listen to music but I need to stay focused. This playlist also doubles as a great way to block out any noise in your dorm room as you going to sleep. "Headphones in, world out" would be the nickname for this playlist if I could give it one.
4. "This Is: Yiruma" by Spotify
Spotify's series of "This Is" playlists range from instrumental artists like Yiruma to more popular artists like Ed Sheeran — and all of them are a blessing. These playlists compile the artist's greatest or noteworthy song into one fantastic playlist. Yiruma, an exceptionally talented piano player, has the perfect music for a relaxing study session. His song "River Flows in You" is one of the most beautiful ones I have ever heard play on the piano — definitely check him out!
5. "This Is: The Piano Guys" by Spotify
The Piano Guys are incredible. I cannot say enough about them because I am constantly in awe of their talent on both piano and on cello. (Listen to "The Cello Song" because that is also incredible.)
6. "Acoustic Room" by Digster.CO.UK
"Acoustic Room" is one of those playlists that you can both study to and listen to while you're with friends just chilling. It's a nice blend of different kinds of acoustic music, and I thoroughly enjoy all of it.
7. "Harry Potter 1-7 Film Scores" by Artinnon
I would be lying if I said I wasn't completely in love with and dedicated to this playlist. I listen to this playlist more than any of the others listed here. Similarly to the "Stranger Things" playlists, I enjoy the comfort of knowing the songs I'm listening to, rather than just trying out new playlists because I like the familiarity. And really, you can't go wrong with Harry Potter.
Wishing everyone the best of luck on all their tests and papers this week!
