10 Songs To Turn To In Stressful Times

Flip open your musical device, or turn your online players to these uplifting, cheerful, and motivational songs when you are facing any kind of stress or difficult challenges in your life. I think you will find that these selected songs will help you to persevere, and maybe bring a smile to your face. Do you have a song, or playlist, that you listen to when you're stressed? Comment down below what your list would contain, or if you have an artist, album, or song that you think would help others when they are stressed.

1. "Can't Stop the Feeling" by Justin Timberlake

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You might face several obstacles in your day. The computer program you are using malfunctions. You are running into unexpected rush hour traffic on the interstate. You have a disagreement with a friend or colleague. Regardless of the stress or emotions you feel, Justin Timberlake challenges you to accept those emotions as part of living your life. You cannot always control what happens around you on a daily basis, but you can control how you think, respond, and react to it. Timberlake's track encourages people to be in touch with their emotions, express them, and then to continue living their lives from the barber shop owner to the truck driver on the road.

2. "Glorious" by Macklemore ft. Skylar Grey

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This release by Macklemore speaks how we all should reflect on how we lived our lives. The lyrics tell the listener that there are two deaths in life, when you are buried, and the last time someone mentions your name. Macklemore then talks about how he asks himself how he gave back more to the people around him, and if he took more from others than he gave back. When you start to freak out, shift your focus to the ways you can contribute, volunteer, or add to the world, or community, around you. He sings about how we have to stay true to ourselves as warriors, how we all can be victorious, and how we all can be glorious when we take the chance to start over, change, and grow as human beings. The music video itself demonstrates how his grandmother Helen has lived a full life, and can give you the inspiration to live the life you dream or envision everyday.

3. "Sing" by Pentatonix

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Pentatonix sings about how difficult life can be from those long hours at work to feeling way off track, but that through singing you can do anything. Sing for yourself. Sing for your friends. Stomp your feet, clap your hands, and feel the joy from belting out your favorite music at the top of your lungs. You can use this song to get you started on your journey of singing to relieve your stress, escape the tension, practice your breathing, dance your heart out, and share the sentiment that you are not the alone in your life's journey of challenges and setbacks.

4. "It's Gonna Be Okay" by The Piano Guys

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One cello player, a videographer, a pianist, and a singer combine their efforts to share this music video about the phrase "It's going to be okay." Life is full of uncertainties, questions we cannot answer, and things that want to bring and keep us down. In those moments, remind yourself that you are going to be okay. Say it in your head. Pin it on your bulletin board. Shout it out loud. Believe and internalize this message in your heart and mind, and witness the weights lift off of your shoulders as you continue to tackle the tasks at hand, or worries running through your mind, in life.

5. "Happy" by Pharrell Williams

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The world is going to try and hunker you down with bad thoughts, and Pharrell reminds you to not let those words, actions, criticism, or negative people get you down. Try out some crazy dance moves while clapping your hands. Pharrell repeats the phrase "can't bring me down" throughout the song, and choose to focus on not letting anything bring you down. Choose to be happy, even if it is hard, and think happy thoughts. Look at what you have accomplished this far in life, remember who you are, and believe in yourself. Be that room without a roof, and live happy.

6. "I LUV IT" by PSY

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PSY is back with a track that screams out the message of self love for whatever you do in life. He takes pride in his unique dance moves and how he creates his music. He talks about how life is hard, but that you should do what you love. It also says that we should share that love with others by not throwing shade or tune out the haters. When you are stressed out, think about what you love or your passions you love. Choose to love yourself, and then spread the message of love to others in the world around you. If you cannot think straight, get up, clap your hands, and dance to this beat until you feel like you can take on the day because you love it.

7. "Cheerleader" by OMI

YouTube, Ultra Music / Via youtube.com

Need some motivation to finish that paper or project? Find friends, family, or others who you can talk to for words of encouragement as a cheerleader. Better yet, be your own cheerleader. Remember the trials and similar situations you have problem solved or overcome in the past, compliments or praise you have received for your actions or work, and believe that you can do it. You can even make up your own choreographed routine and cheers to perform. You are your best advocate, and let yourself shine bright.

8. "Try Everything" by Shakira

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Shakira reminds everyone in this track to not beat themselves up over their mistakes and failures in life. We all mess up, say the wrong thing at the wrong time, or have embarrassing moments. You can learn from those mistakes. Don't let your fear inhibit you from reaching your goals or trying something new. How do you know what the outcome will be until you take a risk and try it?

9. "Fresh Eyes" by Andy Grammer

YouTube, Andy Grammer / Via youtube.com

This music video by Andy Grammar is humbling. It gives you a new perspective on how the homeless live their life. He goes into the shelter and volunteers his money and time to give someone else a chance for a better life. It can remind you to be grateful for what you have when you know that someone else may be facing worse situations compared to where you stand. Andy Grammar has some fresh eyes on how he can use his music to impact the lives of others. How does your work or life help others? What are your thankful or grateful for? Learning about someone else's problems can motivate you to be a better, kinder human being toward them, and yourself when you are stressed.

10. "I Go Through" by O.A.R.

YouTube, OARVEVO / Via youtube.com

We all have those days when we ask ourselves, "What's the point?" "When do I get to go home from work?" "Why am I so tired?" and a multitude of others. O.A.R. opens the video with this conflict of his son missing him while he's away at work. Sometimes life has a way of separating us from the ones we love and care about the most, and it's up to us to do the best we can until we make it through whatever life is presenting us. We are all working hard towards our dreams, to put food on the table, and to live our lives. O.A.R. re-enforces that message that you are not alone in your trials and tribulations, but that you can navigate your way through whatever storm or stress you're facing. We have to live our life, do our best, forgive others when they do not always understand, and come to an accept ourselves with the life path we choose to travel.