One of the first things people always suggest when you share that you are struggling or feeling down, is a playlist of happy music. It might not seem like much, especially on those days when you can barely find the strength to get out of bed, and for this reason I always ignored the idea. However, since coming to uni, I thought I would give it a go and have found it helpful. It’s not a solution, but can lift your mood just enough to carry on with your day, so it is definitely worth a try. Here are my favourite songs on my happy playlist to get you started on making your own.
Voulez-Vous – Abba
Abba is a must for any happy playlist and almost any song will do, but this is my personal favourite.
Don’t Matter Now – George Ezra
Super happy but not in a sickly cringey way
Uptown Girl – Westlife
Okay this one is very cheesy but it never fails to cheer me up, just might be slightly embarrassing when your flatmates can hear it.
Big Blonde and Beautiful – Queen Latifah (Hairspray)
If I’m honest, the whole Hairspray soundtrack is on my playlist.
Holding out for a Hero – Jennifer Saunders
Not the original, but the version from Shrek 2, because who doesn’t love Shrek.
Livin’ la Vida Loca – Ricky Martin
If there is one thing I truly believe, it’s that nothing can’t be improved with a bit of Ricky Martin.
Bohemian Like You – The Dandy Warhols
This is just a genuinely good song, so you won’t have to turn the volume down in shame.
I Lived – One Republic
Not only is the music happy but the lyrics are pretty encouraging too.
Put Your Records On – Corinne Baily Rae
This song is so sweet it couldn’t not be on the list.
Don’t Rain on My Parade – Barbra Streisand
Got to finish with something that makes you want to sing at the top of your lungs. This would never normally make it onto my Spotify, but it makes me happy so it belongs on the happy playlist with the others.
HCX hopes this cheerful playlist will brighten up and inspire your cold winter months!