Hey guys! Mental Health Awareness Day was on October 10. Although, I was busy with work and couldn’t talk about it on that day, I was nominated by Laura Spoonie to talk about how music helps my mental health and what songs helps me to stay positive. See what songs I picked under the cut!
Rules:
- Link back to ‘Pick Me Up Playlist’ creator – Laura Spoonie
- Tag the blogger who nominated you
- Mention how music helps your Mental Health
- List 10 songs that you would consider to be a part of your ‘Pick Me Up Playlist’ (optional: mention a little bit why each song is on your list)
- Tag 10 other bloggers to join in with the ‘Pick Me Up Playlist’ Challenge
Music and Mental Health: A Perfect Combination
I love music, as you may already know from this blog’s title. Music is like my soulmate as I can’t live without it. Music does so much for me: it inspires me, it gives me hope, it relaxes me, it helps me to prepare for my day in the mornings, it helps me to unwind after a taxing day, and keeps my mental health in check. I can’t imagine a world without music.
Various genres, artists, and songs have their own ways to express the number of emotions that humans experience in their lifetimes. And because of this, music can help us to express our feelings in a meaningful way that is safe. In the morning, I could feel like listening to smooth jazz as I might still be sleepy and need to ease into my day. I might want to listen to dance music at night to shake off that tiredness from work and release any negativity I might have experienced throughout the day. If I need to express a feeling or my mood, there is a song and genre for it.
A Playlist to Help Me With My Mental Health
Maki Goto – “Yaruki! It’s Easy”
I am a big fan of Maki Goto and “YarukI! It’s Easy”. Although the song is about tackling uneasiness in innocent romantic pursuits, you could also apply to anything in life. If you have the positive mindset and the spirit, then anything will be easy!
Sting – “Englishman in New York”
This 1980s song is full of great advice. One can be found in the second verse when Sting sings “It takes a man to suffer ignorance and smile, Be yourself no matter what they say”. Another one is found in the third verse: “Confront your enemies, avoid them when you can, A gentleman will walk but never run” and “Modesty, propriety can lead to notoriety, You could end up as the only one, Gentleness, sobriety are rare in this society, At night a candle’s brighter than the sun”.
This song always reminds me that it is ok to be different in the crowd, especially in a society that is different than you.
Madonna – “Spotlight”
“Everybody is a star; Everyone is special in their own way”
That is one of the best lines in this 80s’ Madonna song. Sadly, it was a minor hit among listeners back in the day. It has the makings of an inspiration as it talks about shooting for your goals and becoming that “star” you always dreamed of being. “Do the thing you want, don’t wait for someone else”. Be yourself, don’t try to imitate or try to be like someone else.
Christopher Cross – “Sailing”
“It’s not far to never-never land, no reason to pretend
And if the wind is right you can find the joy of innocence again
Oh, the canvas can do miracles, just you wait and see.
Believe me.”
There is a lot of positivity coming from “Sailing”. Besides the lyrics, the mood of this early 80s’ song is very peaceful and soothing. A perfect piece to calm your nerves, clear out the negative energy you might still hold, and soothe your soul.
Genesis – “Land of Confusion”
The music video might turn heads and might have people saying, “What is up with this?” But, this 80s’ song is a perfect song about taking action. Because if we don’t take action on the things we want to achieve or want to do, then we will not be satisfied and might live with emptiness.
Now, I know this song is about taking action in world affairs as the lyrics state something like “This is the world we live in, And these are the hands we’re given, Use them and let’s start trying, To make it a place worth living in”. But, we can apply this to our lives too, right?
Panic! at the Disco – “High Hopes”
This recent hit is the anthem of 2018! Well, at least on my Facebook as a lot of friends have been sharing this song over and over on my timeline. And, I can see why! Such a positive song from one of the best bands in the 21st Century. There are so many great lines in this song! Mine has to be the chorus, when the vocalist sings “Had to have high, high hopes for a living, Shooting for the stars when I couldn’t make a killing, Didn’t have a dime but I always had a vision”. If you haven’t heard of this song yet, you should!
No Doubt – “I’m Just a Girl”
When I bought the CD single when I was in high school from a thrift store, I blasted this song one day. And, my dad overheard this song and made a snide comment about it because to him, it is an annoying song about feminism. For me, it is about “sarcastic rebuke to the helpless-female cliche”.[1]And, it is about being angry at those cliches. And, it is ok to angry sometimes if you channel it correctly. This reason is why this No Doubt song from the late 90s is one of my go-to songs if I am tired and angry about being stereotyped as a girl or in general.
Earth, Wind, and Fire – “Let’s Groove”
Every Saturday night since the summer, I have a solo dance party with video tutorials from the “Let’s Dance” video game series. At first, I thought I would just learn some new dance moves to teach in the classroom (my kids love to dance and sing), but it has become more of release stress, pent-up negative energies, just getting up and exercising, and just having fun.
“Let’s Groove” is one of the songs that is featured in the game series. Whenever it comes up on Youtube or Spotify, I just want to get up and just groove. This song is currently my default song to dance. And, dancing is very important! (I talked about that in a post last month).
Destiny’s Child – “Independent Women, Pt. 1”
Destiny’s Child’ songs — and even the ones from the solo careers of Michelle Williams, Kelly Rowland, and Beyonce — are always upbeat and inspiring to listen as they have a positive message. This 2000 song helps me to reaffirm to myself that I am an “independent woman” and I can do anything if I keep a positive mindset. I am a strong woman; I just need to believe in that all the time.
Jeff Kashiwa – “The Lucky One”
Jazz music is always a great genre to soothe the soul. I have a “Daily Mix” playlist on my Spotify that is dedicated to jazz. It is a great way to cleanse my mindset, soothe my soul, and reset. I like many jazz songs and artists, but I choose Jeff Kashiwa because he has really great songs and l love his artistry in The Ripplingtons and as a solo artist. Isn’t “The Lucky One” a great listen with so much positive energy?
I Nominate….
🍁 Sadiye Booker
Thank you for reading! What are you “go-to” songs when you need positive vibes? Tell me in the comments below.
References
[1] “Tragic Kingdom.” EW.com, ew.com/article/1996/08/02/tragic-kingdom/.
Brilliant! Thank you for taking part with the TAG 😁
Love the mixture of your playlist.
Keep Inspiring & Sharing your Light!
Laura 🌻💕
Music sometimes can be the best medicine!
Thank you for nominating me! I love your songs and didn’t know Panic at the disco had something new. So awesome 🙂
I love this idea. I forgot about my playlist, listening to it now. 🙂
Great playlist!
I go with instrumental soothing subtle music to enhance my mood.
Looks like a great playlist but I am not familiar with most of the songs. I understand though the value of songs when it comes to mental and emotional stimulation.
You sure have a great taste of music. You playlist is great.
There is such a mixture of styles here! You have eclectic taste 🙂 Thanks for sharing! Rach
Any music that relaxes and soothes our mind is a must, everyone has a specific taste, dont know some of this playlist ‘though. 🙂
Great post! I can see how music is able to influence mood and feelings. Music can help me focus as well as distract me.
Wow! Never heard this before except High hopes by Panic at the disco. I love that song!
Panic! at the Disco – High Hopes is one of my all time favourite songs! I’m super happy you added Earth, Wind & Fire and Destiny’s Child on the list!
Awesome playlist, music always makes me feel better. Takes all the blues away.
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I love your Playlist….. 80’s and 90’s is also my go to songs to feel relax… I mean i can sing along to it without difficulty unlike the latest songs of this generation; vocal wise it is just challenging to sing along to it….. Stressful LOL
Lovely playlist. Music makes me come to terms with everything and I always feel better after.
Great list of songs! Music does have a big impact on our mental health. No matter how bad my day is I always feel a peace when I sing my son’s favorite song at bedtime. 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
It is amazing how much of an impact music can make!
You got an awesome idea! Will share this to my friends 😀
Some fab songs are included in this list!
oh nice. ill bookmark this to make up my playlist
Your go-to playlist is great! I love that you have different genres. My go-to music is currently BTS songs, their music makes me feel a lot better.
Great post, we need to further remove the shadows of mental health issues
Christopher Cross’ “Sailing” relaxes me and puts me into nostalgic mode, while No Doubt’s “I Am Just A Girl” hypes me up and pumps me up!
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You’re nominated! 🙂 https://walkamyelinmyshoes.com/2018/10/29/sunshine-blogger-award/comment-page-1/