Music Therapy: 5 Songs To Boost Your Mood When You Feel Like Sh*t

Author’s note: This is another throwback post. I originally wrote this blog post in November of 2017, and I’m sharing it now as part of my season of being seen. While the songs may not be the most current, I still believe that each of them can speak to your soul and empower you. This post is for those crappy self-esteem days we all have. I share how (and why) to use music as an easy, accessible way to begin lifting yourself out of those moods. I hope these recommendations resonate with you.

Maybe you're just having a bad day or maybe you've felt like this for a while now. We've all been there. The voice of insecurity speaks loud and clear inside your head. It seems that no part of yourself has been left untouched by this self-criticism; you can't stand what you see in the mirror and pick yourself apart. You feel like a crappy parent or partner. You fear that you're incompetent at your job and worry that you'll be 'found out'. You know there are things you like about yourself, but you can't remember them at the moment.

Or maybe you feel ok about yourself at the moment, but not about life. When it rains, it pours. There's constantly a crisis, another fire to put out. You're beginning to feel hopeless and dog-tired.

Whatever the case may be, you're not feeling your best. If you find yourself in this position, I have a few suggestions. Remember that you are not alone, you're not the only person who has felt this way. Try to extend the same kindness and gentleness to yourself that you would to a loved one. And don't get tunnel vision; when things are going wrong we tend to hyper-focus on the negatives while ignoring the good that remains. Try to step back, get some perspective, and take a more balanced point of view.

One thing that I often forget about, despite how simple and effective it can be, is the healing power of music. Music is therapy; it’s an almost universal source of joy for humans. Years and years ago, before modern technology, our ancestors would sit around a campfire at night, tell stories, and sing and dance. And I'm sure you've experienced that zing of glee when your favorite song comes on the radio. Music is a resource that's always available to you.

Here are five of my favorite songs to uplift you during difficult times:

1. Colbie Cailat - Try

This song speaks to the intense pressure many of us feel to change ourselves in order to meet other people's (and society's) expectations. We all want to be accepted, but Colbie reminds us that we are good enough as we are and that the most important thing is how you feel about yourself. As we watch the video, we see the relief that Colbie and the others feel when they stop trying so hard to fit in and embrace their authentic selves.

2. India Arie - Beautiful Flower

Like Colbie's song, in Beautiful Flower, India Arie touches upon the cultural pressures to look a certain way. But this song is about so much more. While it's specifically directed at girls, I believe that India's message is something we all need to hear at times. It is about being multifaceted, special, and resilient. Many of us, especially those of us with a history of trauma, underestimate ourselves. But you are more powerful than you know. If you find that you are doubting yourself, let this song be your affirmation.

3. Matisyahu - Live Like A Warrior

This song is about those times when you're trying your hardest, but it seems like everything (and everyone) is against you; those times when life just feels so unfair and you feel exhausted. You have a choice - you can give into hopelessness or you can harness your inner warrior. He encourages you to let go of past mistakes and start fresh, with renewed energy. This one is a little more fast-paced, which just adds to that uplifting feeling.

4. Katy Perry - Rise

Katy Perry's Rise is an anthem for the trauma survivor. For the resilient one, the person who gets back up no matter how many times they get knocked down. The character Katy portrays in the video isn't without insecurities. She has her doubts, and yet she still persists. There's a part of her, her inner wisdom, that knows better and pushes her to persevere. No matter what, she doesn't stop fighting. The beautiful visuals underscore the sentiments of the lyrics.

5. Amy Steinberg - Exactly

This song implores us to accept what is with the repeated mantra "I am exactly where I need to be". I believe that much of our anxiety and emotional suffering is a result of our refusal to accept the reality of present circumstances. But it's only once we accept what is that we can change what we don't like. Amy's song is deeply spiritual, but not in a way that favors any one religion or spiritual tradition. Instead, she simply acknowledges the interconnection of all things, including nature. I find the lyrics to be brilliantly poetic and the tune is delightfully catchy.

Have your own music therapy sesh!

Give these songs a listen today or, if they’re not your cup of tea, create your own mood boosting playlist. For Spotify users, if you search “mood boost,” there are a number of pre-made playlist options. The bottom line is, I encourage you to take advantage of the therapeutic and transformative power of music because it’s so easily accessible.

However, if you’re struggling with your mental health and no amount of coping skills seem to make a difference, it may be time to seek help. You don’t have to go it alone. If you’re in the Sacramento area (or if you live elsewhere in California and are open to online therapy) please don’t hesitate to reach out for a free 15-minute phone consultation.