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The Power of Music for Mood Boosting
As a lover of music, having the right playlists throughout my day has always been of importance to me. If you didn’t know this yet, music is actually very therapeutic, as it can trigger the release of dopamine and reduce the release of cortisol, promote relaxation, engage the brain to aid in memory and focus, and promote self-expression. Music has a way of touching us, whether it is through the appealing melody and beats, charming arrangement of instruments, or relatable lyrics, which is why I always want the right songs playing to match my vibes.
My Favorite Feel-Good Playlists
When it comes to feel-good playlists, I honestly have many, depending on how my mood or energy feels, or depending on my surroundings and what I happen to be doing. A lot of times, the songs I add to my playlists are based on the memories they bring back. It could be songs that played on my travels, which reminds me of the friends I made or the places I had fallen in love with. It could also be songs that I associate with the people I care about, which also remind me of the good times we shared.
Chill Nights Playlist
My “Chill Nights” playlist is for relatively relaxing days. For me, this playlist is perfect to have in the background when I’m cleaning and decorating my room (a chore I find very enjoyable and therapeutic), when I’m doing work leisurely or writing in my journal, or when I’m socializing at home (whether with family or friends). I’d say this is also my go-to playlist for when I’m lounging at the beach or going on a joyride – all just chill vibes. This playlist includes songs like:
Fast Car by Jonas Blue
Dance Alone by Preston Pablo
New Light by John Mayer
Eastside by Benny Blanco
Vinyl by Fly By Midnight
Hiccup by Valley
Let You Love Me by Rita Ora
Work From Home by Fifth Harmony
Cheap Thrills by Sia
Woke Up Late by Drax Project
Where The Sky Hangs by Passion Pit
Chill House Playlist
Alternatively, my “Chill House” playlist is for when I’m looking for some chill EDM to listen to. This would include some classic EDM hits, which always bring me back to 2016, such as:
Closer and All We Know by The Chainsmokers
Let Me Love You by DJ Snake
Rockabye by Clean Bandit
As a tropical house girlie, this playlist also caters to my love for island vibes and includes songs like:
Mama and Perfect Strangers by Jonas Blue
Save Tonight by Sam Feldt
It Ain’t Me by Kygo and Selena Gomez
Don’t Let Me Down Tropical House Mix by Zonoma
The latest addition to this playlist would be songs by:
Dabin (In The End, Starbright, Worlds Away, and First Time)
Illenium (such as Nightlight, Feel Good, Takeaway, and Luv Me A Little)
ARMNHMR (such as If I Lost You and Falling Apart), which specifically remind me of the good memories I made with friends at a music festival.
Lover Girl Playlist
When I’m feeling extra romantic, my “Lover Girl” playlist is what I go to. I suppose I would describe this playlist as having feelings of new love, all fluttery and honeymoon, and feelings of warmth and security in being with your special someone. Whether I am in a relationship or not, this playlist is great for when I want to waltz around my room or daydream about cute scenarios I’d love to experience (whether it is with a crush, a significant other, or even a cute fictional character I just read about in a novel). This playlist includes songs like:
Lover and Call It What You Want by Taylor Swift
Perfect and Thinking Out Loud by Ed Sheeran
I Think They Call This Love by Elliot James Ray
Never Seen Anything “Quite Like You” by The Script
I Was Made For Loving You by Tori Kelly
Would You Be So Kind by Dodie
All My Life by YAØ
Brat Summer Playlist
In contrast to my Lover Girl, I also have my “Brat Summer” playlist. This would be for my high energy vibe, for when I’m in a party mood or for when I feel like strutting down a runway with all that female confidence. This playlist includes upbeat pop songs that would get most people moving on the dance floor, such as:
On The Floor by Jennifer Lopez
Give Me Everything by Pitbull
We Found Love and Don’t Stop The Music by Rihanna
Danza Kuduro by Don Omar
We Got The World by Icona Pop
APT by Rosé and Bruno Mars
Everytime We Touch by Cascada
Bring The Wow by Kali J
I sprinkled in some EDM as well, such as:
I’m Good (Blue) by David Guetta and Bebe Rexha
Move Your Body Hedex Remix
Crush Me Down by Blasterjaxx
Lullaby by Danko and Ceres
Thunder by Gabry Ponte
Dynamite Retrovision Flip
This playlist also transitions into a mix of disco classics such as:
I Will Survive by Gloria Gaynor
Gonna Get Along Without You Now by Viola Wills
Boogie Wonderland and Let’s Groove by Earth, Wind and Fire
Hammer To Fall by Queen
Stayin’ Alive by the Bee Gees
Footloose by Kenny Loggins
The Way You Make Me Feel by Michael Jackson
Mamma Mia and Gimme Gimme Gimme by ABBA
Having some music to lift my spirits or bring my energy up further is always such a huge help in keeping my vibes positive throughout the day. No matter where I am or what I’m doing, music always helps me bring back feelings of places I’ve loved and the people I’ve shared many fond memories with.
About the Author
S. Verzosa is a BS Psychology graduate from the Ateneo de Manila University. Lover of fiction, art, music, dance, and the understanding of all those around.
