Hello, it’s me, I was wondering after all these weeks you would love to read a blog about Mental Health, Anxiety to be precise. Yes, that is from Adele’s Hello. I love her and her music, I know, her music can be sad but deep within that sadness it is also empowering. Well, Clearly I am in music talking mood so let’s talk about music and anxiety or better yet, Can I share my pick me up playlist? The one I listen to when I feel like I am drowning or when I need a little help in facing the day? you didn’t say yes, I hope you did because I am gonna share it with you anyway.
Music can be used to reduce stress, improve mood and overall wellbeing. Music therapy is usually used together with muscle therapy to reduce anxiety. I love music, I usually alternate between podcasts and music when commuting, working or flying to new places. Interestingly enough music also signals how anxious I am. When I am very anxious I can’t sit still or finish a song, I keep hitting next, so I usually go for a run or a shower, I am getting off track. My playlist, I am going to share my playlist but talk about the top three songs. Here we go.
3. Bibia Be Ye Ye by Ed Sheeran. This song has a beat that reminds me of African Music and feels like home. Markets back home usually play music and I remember when I was a little girl they would usually play kwasa kwasa and so listening to this song always takes me back to when I had no care in the world and I usually shake something when I am listening to it. https://open.spotify.com/track/6SznMYPQJHzr3IwsAHLId2?si=l0px2A4_T52P7mAUrYA_sg
2. Sit Still and Look Pretty by Daya. This is my theme song, It is a tad sassy but so am I, When I am anxious and down I am doubting about work I have or the fact that I am likable, I love this because it reminds me that my dreams are valid. this is my favorite part “Oh, I don’t know what you’ve been told, But this gal right here’s gonna rule the world, Yeah, that is where I’m gonna be because I wanna be, No, I don’t wanna sit still, look pretty” https://open.spotify.com/track/0EGuSSpuu9wmHCtvb4PdLO?si=eQ2tR0RZS0aZlMERktM1XQ
1. You’re Gonna Be Ok by Jenn Johnson. If you are having a bad day do listen to this song. I absolutely love this song. I will admit when I am listening to this one usually there is a tears situation going on but who doesn’t cry right? Even on my worst days, I have listened to this song. This song validates me, it validates my bad day and reminds me I am not crazy for feeling the way that I am feeling. This song pushes me to go for that run, to take that shower, to call that friend to keep going. This song is like having a cheerleader on your worst days, telling to just put on foot in front of the other literary. Have a listen. https://open.spotify.com/track/1Hg95lzRByeo6EngOEW6UV?si=jPmwGFosRl2iOGqTa64Hjg
My pick me up playlist has a lot of songs but these three really pick me up in different ways. They have different ways of reaching me. The best relationship you are going to have is with yourself, You have to continue those check-ins with you to make sure you are healthy and happy. If you do find that you are having a hard day, From my favorite ‘pick me up’ song I will say:
“Hold on, don’t let go, just take one step closer, Put one foot in front of the other, You’ll get through this just follow the light in the darkness You’re gonna be ok, When the night is closing in, don’t give up and don’t give in This won’t last, it’s not the end, You’re gonna be ok”
you’re gonna be ok; Jenn Johnson
Sunga, AMHI
