Listen & Learn: Make Homework More Fun
Is the crippling sound of silence making you question every choice you’ve made since middle school and preventing you from doing your online classes?
Same. Don’t worry though; I’m here to help! Playing music or podcasts in the background helped me immensely. Here are a few of my tips and tricks to help ease the pain of homework.
Podcasts
Podcasts are great to listen to because they make you feel like you’re having a conversation with real people, when, in actuality, you haven’t left your apartment in over a week. One that I really like is “Wonderful!” hosted by Griffin and Rachel McElroy. This podcast involves them talking about things they are enthusiastic about such as artists, movies, or even what kind of seasonal drink they can’t wait for. It’s sweet, fun, and really relaxing.
Chill Bands
Music is great to listen to while doing boring work like homework or loading the dishwasher, but you have to be careful who you chose to listen to. A slow, sad band will have you crying over your notes and a loud, hype band will have you breaking every plate you own while you headbang along to the beats. I recommend bands and artists like Oh Wonder, Bon Iver, Noah Kahan, and Holly Humberstone. Each of them has very chill, easy-going songs that will help you get in the zone but also amazing lyrics that you keep you entranced in their music.
Ya Like Jazz?
We all love being in our favorite coffee shop drinking an iced caramel latte and acting mysterious and interesting while working through our assignments. To bring the coffee shop to you, I have the next best thing. Coffee shop jazz videos on YouTube are perfect because they go on for hours. There are even some that have ambient voices in the background! Let me tell you, it really makes you feel like you haven’t been alone all day in your house.
Ambient Nature Sounds
If you don’t want to be distracted by other voices, play some ambient nature sounds. Rain on a metal roof or waves breaking on a beach can be really comforting to have on. Be warned though, it is very easy to drift off to the calming sounds of mother earth.
In these weird times, we’re all trying to find ways to work through our new challenges. Online classes alone drove me insane, and background noise was the right fix. Maybe, just maybe, they can help you too.
Be well, Auburn.
Photography: Hannah S.
