Feel better fast with uplifting, empowering, and inspiring songs
I LOVE playlists! Music is one of my top sources of joy. It can be comforting, uplifting, and energizing all at once. It is also often FREE and readily available. What’s not to love?
Given how powerful and supportive music has been in my life, one of my favorite things to do is create and share custom playlists. As an introvert (INFJ), it feels like a way to positively connect with others without leaving the house. What a win!
There is always so much meaning behind our favorite songs. They can help us through specific periods of time, like the loss of a loved one or a painful breakup. They can also remind us of happy times and inspire us to move more, which we all know is a vital piece of better health.
I always loved VH1’s “Behind the Music,” where artists would share the inspiration for the songs they wrote. For this month’s Happy Healthy Helpers blog, I am sharing my favorite playlists along with a bit of background on why I created them.
Please follow the HappyHealthyHer Spotify Channel for easy access to these playlists. I’m always updating and adding new playlists.
BETTER Days Are Coming
Life is hard, but you are strong. Keep climbing…
[Added 8/19/23] I created this one at the beginning of the summer when I realized someone I love very much had harmed themselves. The pain in this world is very real, but none of us are alone. There are people who love you dearly. Please don’t ever give up.
Happy & FREE To Be Me
This is your life. Are you who you want to be?
[Added 8/19/23] This one is a reminder that I always want to live life with authenticity. I am so happy to finally feel free to be myself.
Narcissists be GONE! You have no power here.
[Added 3/24/23] – The title of this playlist is a nod to one of my favorite films, The Wizard of Oz. Both Oz and the Wicked Witch of the West were narcissistic. Who knew???!!! Glinda, the Good Witch knew. Her wise words about Dorothy always having the power are priceless.
I created this playlist as a support to the book and course I am currently creating on healing from narcissistic abuse. Being an INFJ and an empath has made me a bit of a narcissist magnet. For years I have been drained by people who abused my kindness. But, no more! Narcissists are no longer welcome in my life. I look forward to sharing my most valuable tips for ridding them from your life too!
The Empath Mix – Sensitive is STRONG
Hold Your Own, Know Your Name, and Go Your Own Way
[Added 11/25/22] Empaths often mistake our sensitivity as weakness. This is far from true! Our sensitivity is our greatest strength! The wise words of Jason Mraz make up the subtitle of this playlist for good reason. Empaths must always honor who we are and accept that our paths in life are often very different from the rest of the world.
Stapleton’s got *SOUL*!
[Added 3/31/22] My first real exposure to Chris Stapleton’s music was when I was visiting my mom at the end of 2021. I don’t have cable TV and rarely get to catch award’s shows. But there with Mom, I was able to witness Chris perform several of his songs at the CMA’s. WOW! Mind blown! I’m clearly not alone in my feelings, since he won like ALL the awards. He’s got so much soul! His song, What Are You Listening To? conveys just how I feel about the connecting power of music. I love the idea of those I care about listening to the same songs I enjoy.
[Added 9/20/21] I did a deep dive into the motivations and background of each song for the following two playlists in Songs to Increase Your Energy and Joy:
Lift Your SPIRIT!
Songs to raise your vibrations, increase your energy, and bring your more JOY!
Feel all the FEELS
Embrace your feelings. You are not alone. We are all connected.
Feeling DEEP
An INFJ’s Musical Escape – God help you if you are a phoenix and you dare to rise up from the ash…
[Added 9/15/21] Starting out with my personal theme song, this playlist is a long one! The ever-growing list includes songs that hit me in my core. I could listen to this one all day, and with 3 ½ hours of music, this playlist is often in the background as I write.
BIGGER Than A Breakup
We’ve all been there. Breakups are hard! But you are strong, and love is right around the corner. Just keep swimming…
[Added 9/13/21] One of my dearest friends experienced a shocking break-up at the beginning of the pandemic. This playlist was for them. It is filled with all the gut-wrenching, heart-breaking, and empowering songs that supported me during my divorce, throughout online dating, and beyond.
DANCE it Out!!!
Shake it. Shake it. Shake it like a Polaroid picture. 😊
[Added 1/23/21] Sometimes you just need to shake it like a Polaroid picture. This line is a tribute to my bestie’s wedding, where we spontaneously created a dance number to “Hey Ya!” Pure joy! This playlist is meant to make you dance out any negative energies. The body needs to move and if these tunes don’t get you going, check your pulse. 😂
You’re A WARRIOR!
You got this! You have been through some hard stuff. But, you are strong and resilient. Love yourself first! You are a warrior!
[Added 11/23/20]This was my first public playlist. I created it in support of the readers of my first book, Online Dating for Sensitive Women. Most of the songs in this playlist were incredibly supportive as I rebuilt my life, bravely embracing the crazy world of online dating following my divorce. I have since added new songs that are equally as inspiring. Listen to this one when you need a burst of courage!
More Music Resources to Enjoy!
Need a bit more to satisfy your music cravings? Check out these other blogs on the healing power of music:
4 Ways Music Makes Us Feel Better Fast
Songs to Increase Your Energy and Joy
Thank you so much for coming along with me on this magical, musical, mystery tour. Do you have playlists or songs you’d like to share? Please add them in the comments below.
Michelle Gibeault Traub is a health writer, compassionate coach, and the author of Online Dating for Sensitive Women. Her mission is to help women be their best in body, mind & spirit.
Sign up for Michelle’s FREE Gifts – The Natural Healing Toolkit and 33 Ways to Add More Joy to Your Life.