Another 7 Feel Good Songs

happiness, health, Management, Mental health, music, writing

In the words of the great Billy Joel, “music in itself is healing. It’s an explosive expression of humanity. It’s something we are all touched by. No matter what culture we’re from, everyone loves music.” Below I have attached a list of another personal 7 feel good songs. Music to help you feel motivated, cry or dance to. Hope you enjoy the list!

Anyone who knows me personally would have often heard the words “I just need to listen to some John, and I’ll be fine”. For as long as I can remember I have been a fan of John Mellencamp, and the way he tells a story through his music. Pink Houses is one of my personal favourites, and seems to uplift my mood when feeling either stressed or over emotional. It’s not exactly a dancing tune, but definitely one to belt out.

Back in 2018 George Ezra released this absolute feel good tune. This classic ‘banger’ has the just the right melody to get your body moving. When feeling a loss of control or having a rather bad day, I listen to this song and go for a nice walk. It instantly puts me in a good mood, and before I know it I’m running home to be in the comfort of my private bedroom, dancing around without a care in the world.

Personally I have never been a big fan of the British Pop-star’s music, but there is something about this song that makes me feel motivated and ready to make a change in my life (even if only for the 3 minutes the song is on). It’s definitely one to belt out, and I find it’s the perfect song to listen to whilst angry or stressed.

This may come across as a bit of a cliche, but this is a perfect song to listen to whilst stressed. I love listening to songs that relate to my mood perfectly, and this is definitely a great song for that. Ironically, I feel stressed, listen to this song which is all about feeling the stress of adulthood, and it seems to work. I feel calmer, almost as if listening to this song for 3 minutes is a release of emotions.

I felt this wouldn’t be a perfect list without at least one female empowerment song. From the hit 2019 movie ‘Bombshell’ based on the true story of the women working for Fox News, this song is a bad ass hit that makes me feel both motivated and angry. It’s a perfect song to let out some steam and feel a sense of purpose or control in your life. As a sexual assault survivor, I feel this song is perfect to get angry to and release some built up emotion.

This is a song with multiple versions, but the original by Cameo is still my personal favourite. Another perfect song to move to and belt out. Word Up is definitely in my top 5 favourite songs, and always seems to put me in a good mood!

This one is most definitely not a feel good song, and would recommend not using it as one. I wanted to finish of this list with a song that might not make you feel great, but is definitely a good song to release some emotions. I don’t always use this song, but if I feel emotionally numb and want to gain a sense of control, I sometimes listen to this, which never fails to make me cry. I don’t know if its the lyrics or the slow melody, but something about this song tugs at my heartstrings.

That concludes the list! I hope you find enjoyment (or a release) in some of the songs listed above, and remember to stay strong and never be afraid to seek help!

Veronica…

book, happiness, Management, Mental health, writing

Throughout the coronavirus outbreak, I have been working hard to create as much uplifting content as possible. But, I also wanted to share thought provoking content, in as much an entertaining style as possible. With this, I have been creating a series of graphic novels, depicting social and racial differences in modern society. This piece I am posting today, is the first story in an anthology piece I have created, and I will be uploading every week.

Hope you enjoy!

-A

How writing saved my life

business, health, Management, Mental health, poetry, products

During my dark patch early last summer, I began this blog. What started as an online journal, soon became my own personal empire. It became my baby.

I have found a lot of strength from my writing, and it saved me. As I have written previously on the blog, I went through a dark patch, a time I didn’t think I’d move past from. Writing relaxed me, it still does, and focussed my mind on something different.

I honestly couldn’t imagine life without this blog anymore. It has been most definitely my saviour, an online hero. And to all the followers and supporters, I want to thank you for your kind words and memorable stories shared. I hope to continue this blog for the foreseeable future, and continue to share stories and thoughts on what I class “a bumpy life”.

My Personal Anti-Depressant

business, Charity, happiness, health, Management, Mental health, poetry

On the ‘bad’ days, I often find myself spending alone time on a peaceful walk. I venture out to the nearest wooded land, and take some time to think over my thoughts. No matter the situation, thought or stress, there is no problem that can not be solved just from a simple walk. I understand that everyone deals with difficult times and situations differently, and I no way am I stating that all of your issues will be solved with a simple trip down the road. One thing I have learnt is that everyone has an ‘anti-stressor’. Perhaps a simple cup of tea, or spending time with family/friends may be the perfect solution for you! Or maybe medication helps relieve those down days.

So what is it about a walk that relaxes my mind?
Wooded areas are known to have small creatures, water features (river, pond or waterfall) and that fresh air smell. Now that we have officially peaked winter, I find it is the perfect time to venture out and explore the town I am lucky to call home. I live in a tourist destination, in the heart of the Brecon Beacons (a national park in Wales, UK), known for its open landscape, beautiful waterfalls and adventurous walks. In some ways, as strange as it may sound, it takes me back to my childhood, a time where play and adventure was the heart of the soul.

I feel a sudden relief once that cold air hits my cheeks, and the river water slowly turns to ice. When the small snowflakes begin to fall, and the mist begins to cover the view. My favourite walk is up the peak of the mountain, where you find a single bench overlooking the trees and fields below. In all the times I have been up there, I have never come across another person, just my dog and I. Its perfect for the days that seem never ending, and all hope is slowly begin to drop. For the days that nudge you over the edge.

I am very much enjoying hearing your stories and thoughts, and I am trying to get back to everyone as soon as possible. Perhaps you would like to share your favourite remedy for those pesky days and thoughts?

On a final note, all I want to say is that there is always hope, even when you feel all is gone.

A Happy New Year!

business, Charity, happiness, health, Mental health, Uncategorised

It’s officially 2019, and with 2018 finally behind us, we can only hope that this year will be a good one! I am not one for new year’s resolutions, as I feel that every year is just the same as the last. But I have made a ‘pact’, shall we say, that I will not let anyone or anything tear me down this year. Over the past few months, I have come to realise that the only person that can make a positive change in your life, is yourself. I know it’s easier said than done, but sometimes the most simplest decisions make, turn out to be the best ones. This blog has changed my life for the better. It gave me purpose, a strive to carry on and fight the demons in my mind. University changed my life for the better. It gave me strength and courage, forced me to step outside of my comfort zone. My point is that sometimes even the simplest of changed can make a huge difference.

I hope everyone reading this has had a safe and happy new year, and may 2019 be a good one! I would also like to say that I am grateful for all of your messages throughout the year, and please continue to spread the love throughout this year also!

My Journey Home

happiness, health, Management, Mental health, poetry

As I start my journey home, my mind wanders into a different universe. I watch the beautiful autumn bare trees surrounded by the fallen leaves, and although I’m stuck inside a train, I can almost feel the autumn breeze and fresh smell. I’m a people watcher, always have been. I enjoy imagining stories up in my head about a particular persons day. The man sitting alone two seats ahead, wearing a smart blue suit, has just attended an interview in the city. He is smiling, as it went very well. He most definitely will be celebrating tonight, with the hope that tomorrow afternoon he will get that anticipated call that he got the job he has very much aspired for. The older man sitting across from me is also in his suit, this one a little darker – almost black. He has just finished work, possibly for the last time. He has finally retired from his nine to five job, and feels accomplished. He too will be celebrating tonight. The young boy siting in front of me is working hard on his laptop. He is a casual dressed university student, trying to beat that deadline. He is very stressed, even contemplating quitting, but he pulls through and gets the work done. He figures that a little work will pay of in the end.

The point of this post isn’t to play imaginary friends with my fellow passengers, but to make the point that you never truly know what is going on in someone else’s life. You see, the man in the blue suit didn’t do well in the interview, the smile is to hide the tears and shame. Instead of celebrating, he intends on going home and crying himself to sleep, he sees no future for himself. The older gentleman did not retire today, in fact he received news that he will not be able to retire for at least another ten years, and due to company shortage, he will receive a pay cut. Instead of celebrating, he has to go home and tell his family the bad news. The young student is actually one week late past the deadline, and is stressed beyond relief. Instead of celebrating tonight, he is planning to commit suicide. He wants to end the struggling that he feels is his everyday life.

Everyone, and I mean everyone, has something going on in their lives. Just remember, next time someone is rude to you, knocks you on the street, or distances themselves for a while, that they may be suffering. Be the bigger person and take it with a pinch of salt, be kind.

Daisies & Bruises

hapiness