Coping with Music: Finding a Playlist for Every Mood
There’s no better feeling than finding the perfect song that fits your mood. Music is such an important part of our lives, and it’s an amazing way to convey how we feel. You might be in the mood to run into the rain and do a cartwheel, or sit in your room with your thoughts. Whatever it may be, you can make a playlist for every mood — so why not use it as a way to practice dealing with your emotions?
Music isn’t just fun; it can be a very powerful tool to manage emotions. It’s one of the easiest ways for us to feel understood without having to say a word. According to a study conducted by Harvard Health Publishing, music can help reduce stress, boost motivation, and even help you concentrate. Think of it as the ultimate support system: it’s there when you’re happy, there when you’re moody, and there for everything in between.
Creating mood playlists is easy. First, think of the emotions you tend to feel most often — maybe it’s the need to de-stress after a long day or a little boost of motivation before tackling something big. Then, start collecting songs that match each mood. If you’re not sure where to start, try looking for playlists that already exist on apps like Spotify or Apple Music. If you need some more inspiration, here are some ideas for each playlist.
Playlist #1: Calm Vibes for a Chill Day
Everyone needs a moment to just breathe, especially when stress piles up. It might be helpful to have a chill playlist, filled with soothing tracks that make you feel like you’re floating on a cloud. This playlist is perfect for relaxing after school, vibing before bed, or tuning out the world for a bit.
Recommendations:
“seasons” by wave to earth
“Good Looking” by Suki Waterhouse
“Duvet” by Bôa
If you need any more inspo, check out My Good Brain’s playlist for yoga and relaxation!
Playlist #2: Motivation and Confidence
Got a big exam, sports game, or just need a confidence boost? This playlist is like a pep talk from your favorite coach. Think of songs that are upbeat with lyrics that make you remember: you got this!
Recommendations:
“Femininomenon” by Chappell Roan
“good 4 u” by Olivia Rodrigo
“Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield
Here’s My Good Brain’s take on songs for good vibes:
Playlist #3: The Main Character Moment
Sometimes you just need a soundtrack for deep thinking, especially on those days when you feel like the main character of your own movie. This playlist is all about letting your thoughts wander, reflecting on life, and embracing the dramatic side of things.
Recommendations:
“Space Song” by Beach House
“Only Ones Who Know” by Arctic Monkeys
“Always Forever” by Cults
“Everybody Wants to Rule the World” by Tears for Fears
“I Know the End” by Phoebe Bridgers
Playlist #4: Getting in the Zone
This one’s the productivity playlist for getting stuff done. Whether you’re tackling homework, reading, or working on a project, having a playlist that keeps you focused is essential. This one’s usually best with lo-fi beats or classical music that doesn’t have too many lyrics, which can be distracting.
Recommendations:
“You” by Vietra
“Falling for U” by Peachy! and mxmtoon
“Duet” by Omori
My Good Brain also has the perfect playlist to improve your study sesh:
Playlist #5: In My Feels
Sometimes, you’re not looking to get rid of the heavy emotions; you just want to feel them. Maybe it’s sadness, nostalgia, or just a deep moment of reflection. This is your space to fully embrace every emotion without holding back. The “In My Feels” playlist is perfect for leaning into those raw moments with music that understands exactly where you are.
Recommendations:
“WILDFLOWER” by Billie Eilish
“Cool About It” by boygenius
“Scott Street” by Phoebe Bridgers
Here’s My Good Brain’s playlist for whenever you need to let it all out:
Whether you’re in need of comfort, courage, or just a reason to dance around your room, these playlists can be a powerful way to connect with your emotions. So, go ahead and start building your own music library that speaks to you! And remember, no feeling is too small or silly to deserve its own playlist; sometimes, all you need is the right track to make a moment feel complete.
