Quick post today, because we have a lot going on in our neck of the woods. But this is something that I think a lot of people can relate to… waking up on the wrong side of the bed.

In my ideal world, when I wake up unusually grumpy, I meditate, take a short nap, and re-start. Though I unfortunately don’t always have that luxury…. Enter changing the music.

Ever since I was a young girl, I’ve been deeply impacted by music, and I’d expect that many of you are the same way.  Some people listen to the beat of songs they listen to and some people listen to lyrics, but some just listen to the music for what it is – an art form that can transport you to any time or place on a moment’s notice.  In case you’re feeling the need to change your mood, then below are my favorite Spotify playlists that help to put me in a specific mood depending on my situation.

I once read that we often like certain songs because they emotionally validate what we’re feeling, and that our taste in music typically changes due to our experience.  While these statements show that everyone’s tastes vary dramatically (if we didn’t already know that), I hope that these songs guide you to feel happy, energized, or relaxed to put you in the right mindset to take on the day in the way you feel is appropriate.

**Unrelated, and yet I thought interesting fact. A 2018 study found that music we hear in our teens, 11-14 for women and 13-16 for men, typically becomes our favorite style of music for the rest of our lives. Perhaps that clarifies what Britney Spears is and always will be the #1 pop star… IMHO, of course.**

MUSIC TO CHANGE YOUR MOOD

Note: Each album cover is linked to the playlist being discussed.

Happy

If I’m needing to feel happy, that means I’m probably feeling like sh**.  Sad, angry, or whatever, I love songs that understand that deeply complicated feeling.  Songs that share that I may not be happy now, but that’s okay – I will be happy in the long run.  The below playlist includes songs that share that everything might not be okay at this point, that we should be thankful because everything will be alright.

Energetic

I’m certain that I’m not the only one that sometimes needs a little help amping myself up for activities.  You get home from work or you’ve been sitting all day, either way, last thing you want to do is get up, get dressed, or get to the gym.  Below are some of my favorite songs to give me that extra kick of solid, sustainable energy that will re-start my fire.

Relaxed

It would be hard to count the number of times I’ve known I have an early morning call, I’ve known I have nine hours or less prior to that early morning call, I’ve known I should be going to sleep… but I’m wide awake.  If I’m feeling overly energized, I find that I love songs that have a nostalgic, almost ethereal feel.  The type of songs that I would otherwise be listening to while I decide to take a nap with light rain pattering against the window.  In these times, I sometimes listen to Jack Johnson or Surfaces, but below are my absolute favorite relaxation songs – all of which simply help me to breathe and relax.

Strong

Sometimes life just hurts. You have a crap day at work, your marriage falls apart, there’s something that’s brought you pain. It can be hard to go on! When these moments come around, first of all, please remember that you’re not alone. Times will not always be like this! You need to keep going because the world is better with you. Secondly, put on this playlist and listen well. Even if tears are falling, you can and must move forward. You have me and the rest of the crew reading this everywhere across the globe supporting you.

JOIN THE CONVERSATION

What are your favorite songs to listen to at any time of day?

If you have any songs that instantly make you happy, energized, or relaxed, please share them in the comments section below!

Create a great life!