One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain.
Bob Marley
Self-quarantining comes in many colors. Sometimes it’s the deep blues of missing your family and friends. On other days it’s the high yellow summer sun over a wide carpet of green grass, a book to yourself, and a moment of peace. For navigating all the rainbow hues of the isolation experience, it helps to find solace and camaraderie in whatever ways we can, especially when we cannot be with friends and loved ones.
Music is one of the most powerful healing tools in existence. It has the potential to uplift and the capacity to provide comfort and solidarity. It can lift us through our physical limitations and motivate us to stretch beyond our mental states, and simply bring joy to an otherwise regular day.
Whatever mood you’re in, there’s probably a song for it. I’ve created a mix for the old and young—and the young at heart, for those who love country, rock, and contemporary genres. Read on to build your perfect quarantine playlist for all the feels.
Music for When You Need a Good Cry
So, you’re having one of those days, huh? Hey, we’ve all been there. Even when you’re not stuck inside your house for the 100th day in a row, sadness is an inevitable emotion. And, forced isolation comes with its own unique troubles. There’s no shame in having those moments. Just sit down, grab a tissue and a pint of Ben & Jerry’s. When you need to caress your soul in those sad moments, here’s a songlist to carry you through.
The Joke by Brandi Carlile
The Woods by Daughter
Dancing with Your Ghost (acoustic) by Sasha Sloan
Breathe Me by Sia
He Stopped Loving Her Today (live) by George Jones
Sound of Silence (remake) by Disturbed
Still Rainin’ by Jonny Lang
Music for Motivated Moments
Sometimes alone time isn’t that lonely. On certain days, you feel rejuvenated and productive from an extra few hours of sleep. Maybe you feel charged up to tackle something that’s made a permanent residence on your to-do list, like cleaning out the garage. Other days, I simply pour extra energy to some hobbies that help me unwind and forget about my worries. For whatever motivates you, if it’s working, keep at it! This is a playlist for the days you feel like celebrating the positives in life. Caution: these songs may cause impromptu dance parties.
All Night Long (live) by Lionel Richie
Stronger (live) by Kelly Clarkson
Younger (remix) by KYGO
All Summer Long by Kid Rock
Summertime (live) by Kenny Chesney
Uptown Funk by Mark Ronson & Bruno Mars
Can’t Stop the Feeling (live) by Justin Timberlake
Music to “Let’s Get Physical”
So you’ve decided that Zoom-workouts are your new domain? Good for you! There’s also no shame in taking this time to rest and refresh by watching some movies and eating all the yummy treats you want. Another form of self-care is treating your body to some exercise. Experts suggest you should aim for between 75-150 minutes of physical activity a week depending on the intensity level. With the right music behind you, you’ll be unstoppable! Add these songs to your workout playlist and get your sweat on.
Start Me Up by The Rolling Stones
Footloose by Blake Shelton
Payphone by Maroon 5
What a Feeling (Flashdance) by Irene Cara
Welcome to the Jungle by Guns N’ Roses
Work Bitch (live) by Britney Spears
Move This by Technotronic
Sexy and I Know It by LMFAO
Music for Anger Management
It is totally natural and healthy to feel some anger during this time. For many of us, the frustration of not knowing when we’ll be able to return to the lives we’ve built for ourselves can become overwhelming. If we don’t allow ourselves productive ways to work through those feelings, anger can become unmanageable. However, giving yourself permission to fully experience the entire spectrum of emotions that come with social distancing is necessary if you want to come out on the other side as healthy and happy as possible. Here are some songs to listen to as you’re screaming into that pillow or fist-pumping the wall. Go ahead, let it out!
Angel of Small Death and the Codeine Scene by Hozier
Papa Loves Mama by Garth Brooks
The Way I Am by Enimen
Complicated by Avril Lavigne
U + UR Hand by P!nk
Music to Unplug & Unwind
Perhaps the most important playlist in this article are songs to help you relax and recharge. On the surface staying home all day may seem like a restful retreat, but if you’re someone who gains energy by interacting with the world, socializing with peers, and having new experiences, quarantine is probably weighing on you. The most important thing to remember is that you’re not alone and that you deserve to feel calm and peace. Whether your tranquilizing routine includes lighting candles, taking a bubble bath, or simply taking a nap, these songs are sure to help you on your way to zen-ing out.
Fortune (acoustic) by William Fitzsimmons
Gentle on my Mind by Glen Campbell
Orinoco Flow by Enya
Songbird by Fleetwood Mac
I Don’t Know Why by Norah Jones
Finally Moving by Pretty Lights
Come on Get Higher by Sugarland
Reminding yourself to do the things that make you feel your best isn’t always as easy as it sounds. Sometimes it’s the littlest things nudge you along the way. So, if you feel like dancing around your kitchen after a successful virtual work session, or if you need a sizeable glass (or three) after a particularly stressful bout of cabin-fever, do it—and blast some mood music while you’re at it! It’s been scientifically proven that music has the ability to improve moods, enhance physical stimulation, and mirror our emotions. So tickle your ears, soothe your soul, and move your feet with a music playlist for every quarantine mood.
TG baugh
September 17, 2020Adding some of these to my play list right now! Thank you for the suggestions!
Philomena Mark
September 17, 2020Today’s Blog…the BEST!
Right on, Luanna!
Music is my go to bliss.
Music awakens the soul.
Try Herb Albert’s This Guy’s In Love With You
Also Rise
Found on you tube…you will be dancing around the room..getting an aerobic workout.
Stacy Kopper
September 18, 2020I second Philomena’s Herb Alpert recommendation. Of course, I’ve been catching up on old Endeavor / Morse / Inspector Lewis so I am humming that theme song on my hikes. That and Almost Heaven, West Virginia…well, anything John Denver, really.
Luanna
September 20, 2020Great suggestions! Thank you!