the thesis/dissertation soundtrack...

Whenever I'm doing work on my research, this can be writing or anything at my computer, I like to listen to music. What kind of music varies depending on my mood as well as the task at hand. As such, I've managed over the years to create a soundtrack for myself. There were even a few CDs I listened to during my undergrad years to help get me through those long homework/studying nights.

When I was writing my thesis, a friend provided me with some music that had helped her. Some classical, some Irish-inspired...music that was, well, musical, and easily faded into the background. When I'm writing, or having to really focus on what I'm doing, the perfect music will do that. For music to fall into the background for me, but still be fun and uplifting, I revisit my high school years. To do this, my new favorite friend has been Pandora. You may have your own version of Pandora that you use. Spotify is another example. I'm going to date myself a little here, but my new favorite "station" on Pandora is "90's Pop." The songs make me happy, even when I'm only partially listening, and I know them well enough, that they don't take my focus off of the task at hand. If you haven't used Pandora or Spotify, or something of the like before, it plays music in a certain genre, or based on an artist and similar artists, but you can "tell" the program if you like or don't like something, and it refines the selections it offers you. So I can keep songs I really liked from the 90s and skip some of the ones I didn't like so much, (but to be honest, I feel some nostalgia for some of the songs I didn't like too.) 

Here are some tips for selecting your soundtrack:
1. For work that requires a lot of focus, go with the classics. Select songs or CDs or artists that you're really familiar with, and songs that make you feel good. Or go literally, for the classics. Songs without lyrics, even if you're not as familiar with them, tend to be less distracting. I'll also occasionally tune into KPLU, a public radio station out of Seattle that plays Jazz during the day and streams live online.  

2. For work that doesn't require as much focus, it's fun to try out new genres and artists. You'll be in a unique position that you might have the time to listen to an album all the way through. 

3. If you're having a bad day, or need to decompress after a crazy day...listen to something upbeat, or loud, or angry. Yell along with the lyrics, dance around the room, whatever. It will get you a short burst of energy and burn off some of the bad vibes. My current favorite song to do this to is Thrift Shop, by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis. (Warning: there is explicit language, but it's a fun song with a great dancing beat...and it can be addictive.)

4. Sometimes, you just need to slow down and meditate...and for that, there's a "spa" station on Pandora. Just be careful because there are commercials that break in every once in awhile during the free version. Lay in the middle of the floor, on your back, and listen...let your mind wander...let thoughts flow into your mind and right back out. This can be helpful to help you sleep after a long day of brain work. 

5. Don't forget exercise. It's so important to be physically active for your physical and mental health. Go for a long walk, run on the treadmill, whatever. A good soundtrack can make it more fun. (Just be careful if you're running alone outside...better to be aware of your surroundings in that case than lost in your music.)

What kinds of songs/artists are on your different "soundtracks"? Maybe you'll find something new to try out that you didn't think you'd like. 

Post a comment or email me. What got you through your thesis/dissertation/comps?

-- Dawn