Listening to music can be one of the best ways we can help ourselves when we are feeling down.
Music has the power to change our moods fairly quickly and the good news is that the benefits may last long after the song has ended. If you are using music to help yourself, you could think about dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) skills such as opposite action, IMPROVE the Moment, self-soothing, or you can decide to mindfully participate by singing or dancing to songs that will change your mood.
Listening to music mindfully can also be a great practice that may help you become more skillful.
Here are a few of my favorite songs to listen to on a sad day:
• O-o-h Child by The Five Stairsteps
• Brave by Sara Bareilles
• Beautiful by Christina Aguilera
• I Will Survive by Gloria Gaynor
• Uptown Funk by Mark Ronson (featuring Bruno Mars)
• Let’s Go by Calvin Harris
• Dancing Queen by Abba
• Not Afraid by Eminem
• Love Train by The O’Jays
• This Girl is on Fire by Alicia Keys
• Don’t Stop Believin’ by Journey
• Happy by Pharrell Williams
What songs would you add to this list? Email me today at amanda@hopeforbpd.com with your recommendations.