Top 10 Spotify Playlists to Help You Stop Procrastinating & Start Studying
Everyone studies differently – some of us like to be in an environment with lots of white noise, like a coffee shop or a library, while others would much rather prefer to be locked up alone in a secluded hut in the middle of Norway while cramming for finals.
Whichever end of the spectrum you lie on, there’s no denying that most if not all of us love a good song, and a good playlist goes a long way — be it if you’re trying to drown out your noisy roommate so you can study for that test tomorrow, or if you just want something to jam out to in the afternoon.
Luckily for us, Spotify has custom playlists for almost any musical genre, that they update periodically (so you always have something new to listen to). So here are 10 of my favorite Spotify playlists that can help get you in the zone while you study and stop procrastinating.
1. Classical Essentials
Although listening to Mozart won’t make you smarter (not in any significant way at least), classical music is usually a good go-to for study sessions. It’s complex enough to be interesting to listen to while usually quiet and subtle enough that it won’t distract you from the task at hand. And with 1.3 million followers and over 13.5 hours of music, it’s safe to say this playlist is at the top of a lot of people’s favorite study playlists.
2. Film & TV Favorites
Now I have to admit, I’m not the biggest movie/TV buff. But my friend swears by this playlist and claims that he prefers this playlist over its classical brother – maybe because they’re more familiar to him. Movie scores are usually nonintrusive and very entertaining. Think of it as the modern man’s rendition of classical music.
3. Swagger
If you dig a groovy bassline and a touch of Americana, then “Swagger” is definitely for you. Steady rhythms are great for focus as deviation from the beat you expect can be majorly distracting, and while the songs on this playlist are relatively straightforward, they’re pretty dang good to rock out to while you study. If you’re afraid softer melodies might put you to sleep rather than putting you in the mood to study, then this might just be the playlist for you.
4. Instrumental Pop Covers
If a song holds up when you strip it down to a simple piano or acoustic guitar solo, it’s probably an awesome song. This playlist takes all the biggest hits and brings them down to something more relaxing than when you pump up the jams in your car.
5. Video Game Masterpieces
Okay, hear me out. Video game music is actually designed to make you focus – that’s how they keep you playing. It’s not all chip-tune stuff anymore (the beep-boop music you associate with games from the olden times) – think more along the lines of grand, sweeping scores with tons of complex instruments and symphonies. Oh, and maybe some chip-tune along the way.
6. 80s Smash Hits
We always hear adults complaining that this generation has “ruined music”. And while mumble rappers might not hold up in a fight against Queen, and (in my opinion) all EDM music sounds the same, one thing is for certain – and that is if Whitney Houston and Michael Jackson don’t perk you up enough to get you through a grueling finals cramming session, then I have no idea how to help you.
7. Low-Fi Beats
Now we get to my personal favorite – Low-Fi Beats. This playlist is comprised of just under 4 hours of hip-hop inspired tracks that are perfect for any long study session or just to bob your head to while doing pretty much anything. If you’re looking for something that gives off that chill vibe, but is by no means boring or lacking in style and is also largely void of any distracting lyrics, then this playlist is definitely for you.
8. Brain Food
Staying on the topic of chill vibes, this one is more on the electronica side of things. If you can’t get enough of synthesizers and drum machines, then these instrumentals are going to be your go-to when you need to get stuff done ASAP.
9. Feel Good Friday
The title of the playlist definitely spoils this one, but yes, this playlist is your go-to for all your favorite songs, ranging from the newest hits to the throwbacks. Just try not to sing your Friday away too much!
10. Binaural Beats: Focus
So personally, I never got into the whole brainwave entertainment genre (binaural beats or its buddy, isochronic tones). But some people swear that brainwave entrainment has changed their work habits. So give it a shot, see if you like it!