Today is one of those Mondays where almost nothing is going to make it more bearable, and the only way out is through. One of my best coping mechanisms is listening to music on my morning commute that I know will instantly put me in a better mindset.

Here are the 5 songs I’ve been leaning on pretty heavily lately to pull me out of my Monday funk. Keep in mind, I will probably have a completely new list of songs that I am listening to on repeat by tomorrow, but for now, I’m sticking with what works.

Posessed by Paul James

Best Line: You’re too scared to run, you’re too scared to fall, oh baby, oh, you’re too scared to cry. Comon, little darling let me hear your song; let us hear your song. Don’t you know you little sweet thing, my little darling, hell yeah baby you belong.

Why it helps: I could listen to this song 100 times in a row and never get sick of it. Listening to it reminds me to stop worrying about everything all the time, to be myself and take things head on.

Pursuit of Happiness by Kid Cudi

Best Line: I’m on the pursuit of happiness and I know, everything that shines ain’t always gonna be gold.

Why it helps: This song gets me walking a little faster in the morning, and reminds me that while I am going to have bad days, it doesn’t mean I am not still moving forward. The bad days just make the good ones all the more rewarding.

The Nights by Avicii

Best Line: One day you’ll leave this world behind, so live a life you will remember.

Why it helps: Avicii always puts me in a nostalgic mood, and brings me back to some of the most carefree and fun moments of my twenties. When I listen to it on my way to work, it reminds me that my job is not the only thing that makes up my life or who I am, and not to waste my day stuck in a swirl of negative thoughts.

My Body by Young the Giant

Best Line: My body tells me no, but I won’t quit, cause I want more, It’s my road, It’s my war. 

Why it helps:  This song can get me sprinting at full speed on a treadmill when I was just about to call it quits. It pretty much does the same thing to me in the morning when I am just not feeling it. Everything in my mind is telling me to turn back and crawl back into my bed, and this encourages me to keep going. The best stuff is always right around the corner.

Countdown by Beyonce (Live at Jimmy Fallon 2011)

Best Line: Do whatever that it takes, he got a winner’s mind; Give it all to him, meet him at the finish line.

Why it helps: I’m obsessed with this version of Countdown, and have watched the video an embarrassing amount of times. It is one of those happy, upbeat songs, that puts me in a good mood. When I listen to it, it always reminds me how great my husband is and how lucky we are to have such a good partnership.

It also helps because, Beyonce.

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I feel better already. This Monday isn’t looking so bad after all.

Love,

Meg