Need to Feel Good Quickly? Tap in to These Songs
By Sara Butler
Some things just make you feel good. Escaping your hectic life to a tropical oasis, going to Walt Disney World, getting away from your mother-in-law, and scratching off the winning numbers on a lottery ticket -- even if it’s only for a dollar. But when those things aren’t in your grasp and you need something to make you feel good in a pinch, songs are a great go-to.
Right now, it’s as important as ever to do things that simply make you feel good. With so much going on in the world, a little escapism is just what the chiropractor ordered, but many things that serve as a happy place aren’t available right now. To help you out, we’ve compiled the ultimate playlist of great songs you can break out to help you break out of your funk.
It’s a Fact: Music Helps You Feel Better
Performing and listening to music increases happiness and not simply in your mind. Studies have found that music has a physical effect on the body, stimulating the autonomic nervous system that controls heartbeat and blood pressure. It also stimulates the limbic system, which is the part of your brain responsible for emotions and feelings.
Of course, music has a psychological impact too. Studies have found that upbeat music has a positive impact on feelings of well-being and raising positive moods as long as the music is upbeat and happy.
Depression? Who needs depression when you’ve got access to the ultimate change-your-mood music.
Don’t Stop Me Now - Queen - Freddie Mercury really knows how to make a supersonic man (or woman) out of you and this is one of the ultimate feel-good singers who ever lived.
Happy - Pharrell Williams - Clap along if you feel like a room without a roof. And minions. Enough said.
All You Need is Love - The Beatles - Of course, you can’t make an ultimate playlist without the Beatles. They have a ton of great songs to choose from, but this Lennon and McCartney classic feels like world peace.
Three Little Birds - Bob Marley & The Wailers - Don’t worry about a thing -- it’s right in the song. But sometimes you just need to be told that every little thing is going to be alright.
Walking on Sunshine - Katrina and The Waves - This is the ultimate earworm, so much so that it was almost made illegal in nine states (no kidding). But don’t worry, you can listen to it to lift your mood without breaking any laws.
What a Wonderful World - Louis Armstrong - Feeling down about the state of the world? This song just has a way of putting it all perspective.
Lovely Day - Bill Withers - There’s just something about Bill Withers’ energy that permeates your soul. And a little funk never hurt anybody.
Let's Go Crazy - Prince - Let’s face it, we could all use a little help getting through this thing called life. And Prince is a great guide.
September - Earth, Wind & Fire - It doesn’t have to be September to lift your mood when listening to this catchy song.
Can’t Stop the Feeling! - Justin Timberlake - The title of this song says it all: You simply can’t stop feeling good while listening to it.
Put Your Records On - Corinne Bailey Rae - Go ahead, let your hair down and listen to this mellow, feel-good song.
Dancing Queen - ABBA - Put this on and suddenly it’s 1976 and time to dance!
Boy With Luv - BTS - Everyone needs a go-to K-Pop tune to lift their spirits in a pinch and this is that song. And you don’t even need to speak Korean.
Ironic - Alanis Morissette - Isn’t it ironic that a song full of bad scenarios just helps you to feel better when you scream along with the chorus?
Believe - Cher - If the auto-tuned voice of Cher believes in you, then anything is possible!
Dog Days Are Over - Florence + The Machine - There’s only happiness ahead with this song. Go ahead, listen to it on repeat.
Don’t Stop Believing - Journey - This is a classic for a reason! Turn it up, clutch your hands to your chest, and sing it.
Sweet Child O'Mine - Guns N' Roses - Embrace childhood memories where everything is as fresh as the bright blue sky with the help of Axl Rose. You know you want to.
Island in the Sun - Weezer - A great reminder that you have to live life in color.
All Shook Up - Elvis Presley - The King has to be on this list and while there are so many songs to choose from that make you feel good, there’s something about the beat of this song that just does the trick.
This list is by no means complete (any version of I’m A Believer, anyone?). All lists are subjective. But when it comes to your good mental health, this is a great place to start. Take the time to put together your own ultimate playlist -- you’re sure to feel better afterward!
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