As someone who has struggled with mental health issues for years, I know firsthand how important self-care is. There were many dark times when I felt completely lost and overwhelmed, like I couldn’t go on. But through therapy, medication, and a lot of hard work, I’ve learned to prioritize my own well-being. Self-care saved my life.
Music has been a huge part of my self-care journey. Certain songs have a way of capturing exactly how I’m feeling and providing comfort when I need it most. They remind me that I’m not alone in my struggles and that healing is possible.
In this playlist, I’ve compiled a list of 11 powerful songs about self-care, mental health, and looking after yourself. These are the tracks that have helped me through the toughest times and inspired me to keep going. I hope they can provide some comfort and motivation for you too, wherever you are in your journey.
Contents
- 1. “Jumpin’, Jumpin'” by Destiny’s Child
- 2. “The Show Goes On” by Lupe Fiasco
- 3. “The Middle” by Jimmy Eat World
- 4. “U + Ur Hand” by P!nk
- 5. “So What” by P!nk
- 6. “Float On” by Modest Mouse
- 7. “Good As Hell” by Lizzo
- 8. “Bulletproof” by La Roux
- 9. “I Wanna Get Better” by Bleachers
- 10. “Shake It Off” by Taylor Swift
- 11. “No Scrubs” by TLC
1. “Jumpin’, Jumpin'” by Destiny’s Child
“Jumpin’, Jumpin'” is a high-energy track by Destiny’s Child from their second studio album, The Writing’s on the Wall (1999). Released on July 14, 2000, the song encourages listeners to go out and have a good time, regardless of their relationship status. The lyrics emphasize independence and self-enjoyment, with lines like “Ladies leave your man at home” and “The club is full of ballers and their pockets full grown” suggesting that women should prioritize their own fun and enjoyment. The song’s upbeat tempo and catchy chorus make it a feel-good anthem that promotes self-care through socializing and enjoying life without relying on others for happiness.
2. “The Show Goes On” by Lupe Fiasco
Released on October 26, 2010, as the lead single from his third studio album Lasers, “The Show Goes On” by Lupe Fiasco is a motivational anthem that encourages perseverance and resilience. The song’s lyrics address overcoming adversity and maintaining hope despite challenges. With lines like “Alright, already the show goes on” and “So no matter what you been through, no matter what you into, no matter what you see when you look outside your window, brown grass or green grass, picket fence or barbed wire,” Lupe Fiasco inspires listeners to keep moving forward and not let obstacles deter them from their goals. The song’s upbeat melody and powerful message make it a perfect addition to a playlist focused on self-care and personal empowerment.
3. “The Middle” by Jimmy Eat World
“The Middle” by Jimmy Eat World, released in 2001, is a song that offers reassurance and encouragement to those feeling out of place or struggling with self-doubt. The lyrics, “It just takes some time, little girl, you’re in the middle of the ride. Everything, everything will be just fine. Everything, everything will be alright, alright,” emphasize patience and self-acceptance. The song’s message is clear: everyone goes through tough times, but things will get better. It’s a comforting reminder to stay true to oneself and not succumb to external pressures. The upbeat rhythm and positive lyrics make “The Middle” a great song for boosting morale and promoting self-care through self-acceptance and optimism.
4. “U + Ur Hand” by P!nk
“U + Ur Hand” by P!nk, from her 2006 album I’m Not Dead, is an empowering anthem about setting boundaries and asserting independence. The song’s lyrics, “I’m not here for your entertainment, you don’t really want to mess with me tonight,” convey a strong message of self-respect and personal autonomy. P!nk addresses unwanted advances and emphasizes that she is out to have a good time on her own terms. The song’s bold attitude and rock-influenced sound make it a powerful declaration of self-care, encouraging listeners to stand up for themselves and prioritize their own needs and well-being.
5. “So What” by P!nk
“So What” by P!nk, released in 2008, is an empowering anthem that exudes defiance and independence. Written during her separation from her husband, Carey Hart, the song captures P!nk’s rebellious spirit and determination to thrive despite personal setbacks. With its energetic beat and catchy chorus, “So What” conveys a message of self-reliance and resilience. Lyrics like “I’m still a rock star, I got my rock moves” highlight her confidence and refusal to be defined by her relationship status. The song’s upbeat tempo and bold attitude make it a perfect anthem for self-care, encouraging listeners to embrace their strength and independence.
6. “Float On” by Modest Mouse
Released in 2004, “Float On” by Modest Mouse is a song that promotes a laid-back approach to life’s challenges. The repetitive chorus, “And we’ll all float on okay,” serves as a mantra for resilience and optimism. The song emphasizes that despite life’s unpredictability and hardships, maintaining a positive and relaxed outlook can help one rise above difficulties. The lyrics encourage listeners to accept that things might go wrong but reassure them that everything will ultimately be alright. This message of perseverance and calm makes “Float On” a soothing addition to a self-care playlist, reminding listeners to keep moving forward with a positive mindset.
7. “Good As Hell” by Lizzo
“Good As Hell” by Lizzo, released in 2016, is a vibrant anthem of self-empowerment and self-care. The song encourages listeners to embrace their worth and let go of negativity, particularly in the context of unsupportive relationships. With lyrics like “If he don’t love you anymore, just walk your fine ass out the door,” Lizzo promotes the idea of not settling for less than one deserves. The song’s upbeat tempo and catchy chorus, which includes the iconic “hair toss, check my nails,” symbolize the act of grooming as a ritual of self-affirmation. Lizzo’s powerful vocals and positive message make “Good As Hell” a motivational piece that champions self-love and resilience.
8. “Bulletproof” by La Roux
“Bulletproof” by La Roux, released in 2009, is an electro-pop anthem about resilience and self-protection. The song’s lyrics convey a strong message of empowerment, with the repeated line “This time baby, I’ll be bulletproof” serving as a declaration of newfound strength and determination. The upbeat tempo and catchy melody contrast with the serious undertones of the lyrics, which deal with moving on from toxic relationships and emotional manipulation. The song emphasizes the importance of guarding against emotional vulnerability and maintaining self-sufficiency. “Bulletproof” resonates with listeners who have experienced similar struggles, making it a powerful addition to a self-care playlist.
9. “I Wanna Get Better” by Bleachers
“I Wanna Get Better” is the debut single by Bleachers, released on February 18, 2014, from their album Strange Desire. Written and produced by Jack Antonoff and John Hill, the song is a powerful anthem about personal growth and overcoming adversity. The lyrics reflect Antonoff’s struggles with loss, depression, and the desire for self-improvement. Lines like “I didn’t know I was broken ’til I wanted to change” and “I wanna get better” emphasize the journey towards self-betterment and the realization of one’s need for change. The song’s upbeat tempo and anthemic chorus make it an inspiring track that encourages listeners to seek improvement and embrace their potential for growth.
10. “Shake It Off” by Taylor Swift
Released on August 19, 2014, as the lead single from her album 1989, “Shake It Off” by Taylor Swift is an uptempo dance-pop song about resilience and ignoring negativity. Inspired by the media scrutiny of her public image, Swift’s lyrics convey a message of indifference to detractors and their negative remarks. The chorus, “Cause the players gonna play, play, play, play, play / And the haters gonna hate, hate, hate, hate, hate / Baby, I’m just gonna shake, shake, shake, shake, shake / I shake it off, I shake it off,” highlights the theme of moving on and not letting criticism affect one’s happiness. The song’s catchy melody and positive message make it a perfect addition to a self-care playlist, encouraging listeners to rise above negativity and focus on their own well-being.
11. “No Scrubs” by TLC
“No Scrubs,” released on February 2, 1999, by TLC, is an empowering R&B anthem about self-respect and setting boundaries in relationships. The song’s lyrics describe rejecting men who lack ambition and financial stability, referred to as “scrubs.” With lines like “I don’t want no scrub / A scrub is a guy that can’t get no love from me,” the song promotes the idea of not settling for less than one deserves in a partner. The upbeat rhythm and confident lyrics make “No Scrubs” an inspirational track for women dealing with relationship issues, encouraging them to prioritize their self-worth and independence. The song’s success and lasting impact underscore its powerful message of self-care and empowerment.
Serena Whitfield is the founder of PlaylistCurator.org. She’s a musician who writes songs for bands. She studied music at the University of Oxford and graduated with distinction. With her expertise, she knows how to review songs and understand what makes good and bad music. Every playlist on our platform is approved by her before publishing to maintain top-notch quality. If you want her to check out your song and maybe get featured on our playlist, submit your song for Serena to evaluate.