When you are soul-tired and a little bit heartbroken, you seek solace in familiar places. Sometimes this place may not even be an actual physical space but a comfortable state of being. Sometimes it could be a song that seems so all-encompassing that it almost hides you, shields you from everything going on around you. It wraps itself around your mind, and literally heals you – your heart, your soul, and your mind. The language of the song hardly matters. Sufjan Stevens’ ‘Visions of Gideon’ from Call Me By Your Name can be just as soothing as ‘Rafu’ from Tumhari Sulu or ‘Kabira’ from Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani can be. It really depends on what your heart wants to play on a loop at a given point of tiredness… brokenness.
Top 30 Soulful Bollywood Songs
Here are top 30 soul soothing bollywood songs – some from Bollywood, some standalone singles – that might just be what the doctor ordered to heal your heart and soothe your broken soul
1. ‘Rafu’ from Tumhari Sulu
2. ‘Dheemi Dheemi’ from 1947: Earth
3. ‘Shaam’ from Aisha
4. ‘Pashmina’ from Fitoor
5. ‘Haminastu’ from Fitoor
6. ‘Tum Ko Dekha Toh Ye’ from Saath Saath
7. ‘Safarnama’ from Tamasha
8. ‘Hawayein’ from Jab Harry Met Sejal
9. ‘Do Naina Aur Ek Kahani’ from Masoom
10. ‘Tu Bin Bataye’ from Rang De Basanti
11. ‘Afreen Afreen’ by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Momina Mustehsan
12. ‘Silli Hawa’ from Libaas
13. ‘Rehna Tu’ from Delhi 6
14. ‘Harjaiyaan’ from Queen
15. ‘Tu Hi Re’ from Bombay
16. ‘Udd Gaye’ by RITVIZ
17. ‘Tu Kisi Rail Si’ from Masaan
18. ‘Lag Jaa Gale’ from Who Kaun Thi
19. ‘Iktara’ from Wake Up Sid
20. ‘Maahi Ve’ from Highway
21. ‘Monta Re’ from Lootera
22. ‘Woh Shaam Kuch Ajeeb Thi’ from Khamoshi
23. ‘Mana Ke Hum Yaar Nahin’ from Meri Pyaari Bindu
24. ‘Aaj Jaane Ki Zid Na Karo’ by AR Rahman for Coke Studio
25. ‘Moh Moh Ke Dhaage’ from Dum Laga Ke Haisha
26. ‘Kabira’ from Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani
27. ‘Chaandaniya’ from 2 States
28. ‘Sahiba’ from Phillauri
29. ‘Manchala’ from Hasee Toh Phasee
30. ‘Phir Le Aaya Dil’ from Barfi!
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Student Life
What do Spotify, Pandora, iTunes and YouTube all have in common? If you said they’re some of your favorite go-to sights to hear your favorite music, then you may want to tune in more often. Did you know that studying to the right kind of music can make you feel less stressed, more focused and dare we say it, smarter? It’s true.
Let’s face it, no one likes to study. But how cool is it that music can be just what you need to get through the books easier while making your studying more productive? Pretty cool, right? Want to hear more? Sit back, grab your headphones and learn how studying to the right kind of music may be more than just music to your ears.
Benefits of studying to music
Do you listen to music while you study, or do you prefer total silence? The jury is out on which is better since everyone is different; however, several research studies are proving that listening to the right kind of music can put your mind into study mode.
Here are some of the benefits of tuning in to the right tunes:
- Relaxes the mind
- Increases concentration
- Lessens distractions
- Improves focus
- Improves performance in high-pressure situations, such as mid-terms and finals week
Best genres to study to
Music is universal, and everyone’s tastes are different. You might be experiencing that right now with a roommate or a group of friends. What soothes one person might drive the other one to pull their hair out. Sound familiar? Since we all have different personalities, music preferences and even study habits you’re probably wondering which type of music is best. We’ve done the homework for you (you’re welcome) with some suggested genres and examples of each that may help put your brain in the right frame of mind. Take a listen.
Classical music—Mind-boosting effect helps with mathematics
Before you dismiss classical music as “not your thing,” it’s worth a try. You’ve most likely heard of Mozart, one of our world’s greatest classical composers, but have you heard of the Mozart Effect? A group of studies found listening to Mozart can cause a temporary “enhancement of spatial temporal reasoning performance,” which means the ability to think through long-term, more abstract solutions to logical problems. In fact, the Mozart Effect has little to do with listening to Mozart and more to do with listening to music that activates a certain part of the brain. Even Albert Einstein was a fan of Mozart!
When it’s crunch time and you’re burning the midnight oil, try listening to Baroque classical music. Composers such as Bach, Vivaldi and Handel are known for their up-beat music composed of 60 beats-per-minute. Studies revealed those who listened to music that played at 60 beats-per-minute showed a dramatic reduction in stress and an increased sense of relaxation It’s become a popular choice when you need to get work done.
Here are some benefits of listening to classical music:
- Improves test scores
- Reduces learning time
- Improves creativity and clarity
- Integrates both sides of the brain for more efficient learning
- Raises IQ scores
Sounds of nature—Keeps your brain engaged by increasing concentration
Have you ever tried studying in a noisy room? It can be annoying and frustrating to say the least. Calming music Nature sounds such as waterfalls, rain and the seashore, for example, can be extremely effective in masking white noise.
Here are some benefits or studying to the calming music of nature sounds:
- Masks voices and white noise which can be distracting
- Enhances cognitive functioning
- Optimizes concentration
Songs without lyrics—Great choice when reading and writing
The last thing you need is more words in your head when you’re reading your textbooks or writing a paper. Listening to songs without lyrics is a great way to stay focused without distraction.
Brian Eno’s Music for Airports—Chill-out electronic music for serious studying and deep concentration
You may want to crank this up for your next cramming session before your big exam. This album was specifically designed to relax stressed out travelers at airports. It’s also been shown as an effective tool when it’s time for serious studying and deep concentration.
Creating a playlist
It may sound obvious, but research revealed brain function decreases when you listen to music and sounds you don’t enjoy, making it difficult to focus and concentrate. So, be sure to choose music and sounds that make you happy. Here are some tips for creating your playlist:
- Create your playlist in advance so you’re not fumbling to find a new song every few minutes.
- Keep your playlist to around 40-50 minutes—this is a great reminder to take a study break when it’s over. Plus, it helps you plan your study sessions to meet your concentration level.
- Avoid listening to the radio. Dialogue between radio personalities and commercials can be distracting.
- Turn it down. Listening to music at a moderate level is best.
With the new semester kicking off, now is the best time to start creating your playlist so it’s ready to go when you need it. Happy listening!
Music can have a profound effect on both the emotions and the body. Faster music can make you feel more alert and concentrate better. Upbeat music can make you feel more optimistic and positive about life. A slower tempo can quiet your mind and relax your muscles, making you feel soothed while releasing the stress of the day. Music is effective for relaxation and stress management.
Research confirms these personal experiences with music. Current findings indicate that music around 60 beats per minute can cause the brain to synchronize with the beat causing alpha brainwaves (frequencies from 8 – 14 hertz or cycles per second). This alpha brainwave is what is present when we are relaxed and conscious. To induce sleep (a delta brainwave of 5 hertz), a person may need to devote at least 45 minutes, in a relaxed position, listening to calming music. Researchers at Stanford University have said that “listening to music seems to be able to change brain functioning to the same extent as medication.” They noted that music is something that almost anybody can access and makes it an easy stress reduction tool.
So what type of music reduces stress the best? A bit surprising is that Native American, Celtic, Indian stringed-instruments, drums, and flutes are very effective at relaxing the mind even when played moderately loud. Sounds of rain, thunder, and nature sounds may also be relaxing particularly when mixed with other music, such as light jazz, classical (the “largo” movement), and easy listening music. Since with music we are rarely told the beats per minute, how do you choose the relaxation music that is best for you? The answer partly rests with you: You must first like the music being played, and then it must relax you. You could start by simply exploring the music on this web page. Some may relax you, some may not. Forcing yourself to listen to relaxation music that irritates you can create tension, not reduce it. If that happens, try looking for alternatives on the internet or consult with Counseling Service staff for other musical suggestions. It is important to remember that quieting your mind does not mean you will automatically feel sleepy. It means your brain and body are relaxed, and with your new calm self, you can then function at your best in many activities.
Experiment now. Experience a “sound bath” and let the music carry you away
The links below each open relaxing musical selections in YouTube.
A Moment of Peace Meditation
Aneal & Bradfield, “Heaven and Earth Spirits” track from Life & Love). Lovely contemporary piano music with accompanying instruments and nature scenes.
Echoes of Time
C. Carlos Nakai from the Canyon Trilogy. Serene Native American flute music, with a picture of Nakai backlit by the sun at the Grand Canyon.
The Winding Path
Ken Kern from The Winding Path. Highly rated, beautiful piano music with accompanying instruments with pictures of exquisite flowers and plants.
Classical Indian Music for Healing and Relaxing
Gayatri Govindarajan, “Pure Deep Meditation” track. Lovely and rhythmic music played on the veena, the most ancient of the Indian plucked-instruments, with nature scenes.
Angels of Venice
Angels of Venice from Music for Harp, Flute and Cello. Classical with 3 instruments with nature pictures.
Earth Drum
“Spirit Vision,” (David & Steve Gordon. Serene and lovely contemporary Native American informed-drumming music utilizing Taos Log Drum and Incan Pan along with other instruments and ocean/forest nature scenes.
Buddha Spirit
Aneal & Bradfield from Light & Love. Reflective but strong contemporary music utilizing various instruments and occasional humming voices with colorful oscillating fractals
Spa Relaxing Music
Tranquil contemporary instrumental with piano and a fixed candle light.
Relaxation Music: 1-Hour Meditation Candle
Serene contemporary instrumental with piano and one flickering candle.
Sleep Deeply
Dan Gibson. Nature sounds and instrumental, tranquil sleep music.
Weightless
Marconi Union. The sounds on this video are carefully arranged harmonies, rhythms, and bass lines that help slow a listener’s heart rate, reduce blood pressure, and lower levels of the cortisol stress hormone.
