I listen to these tunes almost everyday. I call it my Morning Mix. It’s an easy, predictable way to start my day off on the right foot. I listen to these tunes in the morning when I walk my dog. The morning sun gives me serotonin that is proven to elevate mood, the exercise makes me feel invigorated, and the tunes make me smile. It’s my three-in-one morning mood booster.
It works when you’re going through that after-lunch, afternoon slump as well. It hits most people between the hours of 2:00 to 4:00. If you’re at work and start to nod off, plug these songs into your Ipod and use your 15 minute break to take a brisk walk outside.
And if you’re not at work and you’re just having that inevitable “blah” day and need a much needed boost of energy, put down the remote, jump into your car, put the windows down, and blast the music. That should work.
Here is my mood boosting, morning energizing mix:
1. “Put Your Records On”- Corinne Bailey Rae
To me, it can’t be “feel good” music, unless it has a great “feel good” message too. This song’s all about being worry-free, being yourself, and letting loose.
2. “Streetcorner Symphony” -Rob Thomas
Oh, this is the king of the morning mix. I mean, it starts off with “It’s morning, I wake up,
The taste of summer sweetness on my mind.” I first heard this song on an ABC promo commercial.
3. “Tu es Foutu”- In-Grid
I have no idea what she’s saying. It’s French; it’s beautiful and other-worldly, but it’s still upbeat and fun!
4. “Are you Gonna Be My Girl”-Jet
If this song doesn’t get you energized and in a good mood, you’re beyond help.
5. “Suddenly I See” -KT Tunstall
This song’s all about being inspired. It’s more of a girl-power song. There’s a line in the song that says, “she’s got the power to be, the power to give, the power to see…” It’s definitely an empowering song for women.
6. “Pump It”- Black-Eyed Peas
I used to teach girl’s high school basketball and one of my students had this song. We listened to it in the car with our windows down while driving to and from gym locations for a tournament. You’ll feel alive and young!
7. “I Want You to Want Me” -Letters to Cleo
This is on the soundtrack of “Ten Things I Hate about You.” Fun alternative chick song.
8. “Roll to Me”-Del Amitri
This is a really short song (2:14) but it’s fun and fresh.
9. “Black Horse and the Cherry Tree”-KT Tunstall
Another song by Kt Tunstall. A little nonsensical but I love the rhythm and the background singers!
10. “Hey Ya” -Outkast
My favorite line is “Gimme’ some sugar, I am your neighbor!” It’s the beat. I love this song.
I suggest keeping it in this order too. I’ve mixed it so that the songs are progressively faster in tempo so that the beginning songs don’t jar you when you first wake up, but by the time you’re at the end, you’re ready for the faster tempo. Also, this order gives you variety because they alternate male and female vocals. Happy listening!
