Because music is cheaper than therapy!

While brainstorming article ideas, I was deciding between a playlist or a list of self care tips to get you through midterms, so here I bring to you both in one! 10 songs as advice for midterm season! 

  1. Broken Clocks by SZA: “All I got is these broken clocks. I ain’t got no time. Just burning daylight” is so relatable! But I think SZA’s advice this, and every, midterms season would be to “just take it day by day.”
  1. Not Strong Enough by boygenius: You might not feel strong enough to get through your exams, but being “always an angel, never a god” doesn’t have to be a bad thing! You don’t have to ace every midterm this semester because, let’s face it, none of us is god… not even Phoebe Bridgers, surprisingly. All you need to do is pass, which seems pretty angelic to me!
  1. 16 Carriages by Beyoncé: We are all in fact “overworked and overwhelmed” this midterm season. Hopefully though, listening to this song will make you realize that Beyoncé is too! And she’s still slaying! If Beyonce can bring us the Renaissance, you can finish your paper on Renaissance literature!
  1. Water by Tyla: Because if there’s one thing you should be doing all the time, but especially during periods of high stress, it’s staying hydrated!
  1. Let the Light In by Lana Del Rey ft. Father John Misty: In a similar vein as the last one, it’s good to get some sunlight! Go for a walk as a study break and study in rooms with lots of natural light. 
  1. All Things End by Hozier: Because all things do, in fact, end! It may not feel like it now but midterms won’t last forever. Happiness might not be eternal but neither is stress! Besides, until we “begin again,” you get to listen to Hozier’s beautiful voice. 
  1. Self Control by Frank Ocean: Because it’s time for YOU to have some self control and lock in! Put your phone down and study!!
  1. this is me trying by Taylor Swift: If you, too, feel like you’re “having a hard time adjusting” this might be the song for you. My advice is to not always focus on outcomes, but remember and be proud of your effort too!
  1. Don’t You Worry ‘Bout A Thing by Stevie Wonder: It’s good to care about school but it’s not worth sacrificing your mental health. Sometimes the best thing you can do is not worry! Special shout-out to Tori Kelly’s version of this song from Sing—highly recommend!
  1. Laugh Now, Cry Later by Drake and Lil Durk: This may not be the best advice but personally I’ve been living by it. Sometimes you just have to tell yourself that grades are a social construct, happiness is not!

Thanks for reading/listening and good luck, you’ve got this!

Milstein via Bwog Archives.