Just Hit Play

     There has been quite a few people who have asked me how I handle some of the stress that I have subjected myself to. I have also been asked how I am able to study for long periods. Both have the same answer: music. Throughout the day, there is rarely a time that I am not listening to music. I listen to it as it get ready so I can gauge my time and get pumped for the day. I listen to it as I go running. I listen to it as I do homework and study. I love music. And don't let the little country girl persona fool you, I really like ALL sorts of music. My poor iPod is borderline schizophrenic. My team always laughed at me because we would always have music on in the truck when we were traveling and one minute we would be listening to "Mama's Broken Heart" and then (no judgement on my music choices people) "Cyclone" would que up next.

     Confession time. First off, I love Taylor Swift. Okay, I said it. I am no longer a closet fan. And of all her songs that I love the most, "Shake it Off" takes the cake. Now don't get me wrong, I boycotted that song for the longest time and it kind of annoyed the heck out of me but after my aunt showed me a video of a police officer lip-syncing to it (and if you haven't seen that video, go find it because it is freaking hilarious), I have been a fan. Whether it is when I am walking on campus, studying, or running, the song has the uncanny ability to make me smile. Just something about that song just makes me want to dance, let loose, and just have some fun. 

      Which leads to my second confession, I love to dance. Now there are times that I look good dancing, like swing dancing, times where I look like I am not having a seizure, and then there are times where I  look like a fish flopping on dry land. I gesticulate wildly and shake my butt like there is no tomorrow and just have a fun old time. 

    You are probably wondering what this has to do with stress relief and long term studying. Well they are all connected because my favorite place to listen to T-Swizzle and dance is on my desk chair. Yes people, a desk chair. A while back I picked up an old, wooden kitchen chair at my local D.I. to serve as a chair for my, at the time, newly acquired desk. One night after hours and hours of studying for three different midterms, I had the urge to stand up on my chair and interpretative dance to "Shake it Off". In my stocking feet, I twisted and slipped on the smooth surface while waving my hands in every which way and lip-syncing, exaggerating the words with the occasional odd face. After dancing to two or three songs, I was ready to sit back down and study for a while longer. 

     I did something similar to this while I was in State Office. When I woke up, I would turn on some music and would use that to get ready for the day. Even to this day, before I give a workshop, I have music playing in the room so while I am setting up, I can dance around the room and get pumped to teach my peeps. 

    Now I know that this post doesn't have a specific FFA hack. But the point behind this one is that you remember to have a little bit of fun. When studying for Dairy Foods, I spent hours studying my flash cards. I would study so hard that I would psyc myself out when it came time for the test. And furthermore, music sets your mood. When I wake up I am not listening to sad love songs by Rascal Flatts, I am listening to Cher Loyd, Eric Church, Taylor Swift, Iggy Azalea, etc. I get pumped and get happy. All in all, music keeps me going. 

     

     If you were wondering what my top 18 songs to dance to, they are: 

Disclaimer, some are not appropriate for certain audiences. Use discresion and please don't judge me for my music preferences. I am an adult and am responsible enough to choose my own music and I hope that you guys can be adult enough to also. 

" All About That Bass" - Meghan Trainor

"Bartender" - Lady Antebellum

"Brave" - Sara Bareilles

"Compass" - Lady Antebellum

"Dark Horse" - Katy Perry

"Gentle On My Mind" - Glen Cambell - The Band Perry Cover

"Giddy On Up" - Laura Bell Bundy

"I Ain't Your Mama" - Maggie Rose

" I Wish" - Cher Loyd ft. T.I.

"Pretty Girl Rock" - Keri Hilson

"S&M" - Rihanna

"Secrets" - Mary Lambert

"Shake it Off" - Taylor Swift

"Somethin' Bad" - Miranda Lambert with Carrie Underwood 

"Talk Dirty" - Jason Derulo ft. 2 Chains

"Trumpets" - Jason Derulo

"What the Hell" - Avril Lavigne

"2 Reasons" - Trey Songz ft. T.I.

  

Now of course there are more that suit my fancy but these are the main favorites.

 I hope that by just learning to live life and just dance sometimes that studying for your upcoming competition, greenhand test, or even just studying in general, can become that much less painful. 

"I Hope You Dance" - Lee Ann Womack (ha cheesy I know)

Peace, Love, and FFA!

McKenzie