What songs help you heal? Music has a way of meeting us exactly where we are—and sometimes, it’s just the thing we need to lift our spirits, spark joy, or help us heal. In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, we asked our staff to share the songs that help them feel good, grounded, and uplift their spirits. From soulful anthems to upbeat classics, this playlist is full of tracks that remind us we’re not alone on the journey.
Check out the full playlist and press play on a little self-care. Your next favorite feel-good song might just be waiting for you.
Lorez Meinhold
Superstition – Kina Grannis
This song is about taking control of your own destiny. I find it to be a powerful reminder of my own strength.
Albani Berryhill
Intimidated – Kaytranada ft. H.E.R.
This song feels like summer in sound. It’s a song about moving past fear and not playing it safe to build a deeper connection. I think of it as a love song to self. What’s scarier than fear is not having the courage to bet on yourself. The best version of you is often on the other side of embracing discomfort, pushing yourself to unlock your potential, and learning to trust yourself through it all.
Crystal Ayala-Goldstein
Mujer Soy – Las Cafeteras
Although the lyrics share about the many hardships women face within the systems we live in, it also powerfully states, “Cada paso que camino / me lleva a la libertad” which translates to “Every step I walk / takes me to freedom.” I feel confident and powerful, like I can take on whatever the day throws at me, when I listen to this song.
Jacquie Esquibel
I Lived – One Republic
It’s a great song about living fully, with no regrets. It’s what I not only hope for myself but for my kids. I want them to “own every second this world can give and know they have lived.”
Juan Escobedo
I Will Write Peace on Your Wings and You Will Fly Ever the World – Sleepmakeswaves
I’ve been listening to a great deal of post-rock lately. It helps reduce the daily chatter. Three words sum this one up: wonder, hope, and journey. This song just takes me to where I need to heed.
Kindle Morell
Can’t Hold Us – Macklemore & Ryan Lewis ft. Ray Dalton
I have really been enjoying this song on my outdoor runs because every time it comes on it gets me moving faster and smiling. It’s about resilience, but it’s also a bit funny – “we put our hands up like the ceiling can’t hold us” – that’s great way to describe a room full of people dancing without a care – just the visual I need to not take myself seriously.
Marci Hladik
Lovely Day – Bill Withers
I was honored to be asked to read this at my bestie’s wedding. Now, whenever I hear this song out in the world, I send her a text message. No matter where we are or what we are doing, it makes for an instant lovely day.
Raymael Blackwell
The Tetris Theme – Nikolay Nekrasov
This song takes me back to my childhood and my favorite Christmas present ever, The Nintendo (classic).
Rebecca Ochtera
Old Ties and Companions – Watchhouse
I’m just coming back from a visit with family and friends that I haven’t seen in a while. This song always reminds me of how important people can be in your life no matter the time or distance between you.
Sydney Chaves
I Hold On – Dierks Bentley
I chose this song because it is one that I constantly find myself turning up and singing along to when it comes on. It’s a song that reminds me to do a quick inventory of the things I have in life and appreciate the things that are often taken for granted.
Tim Cortez
Manchester – Kishi Bashi
The song is about finding someone to complete your story. Expressing the importance of connection with another or others. It written by an artist where when he is in town friends from different social circles of mine come together to share a joyous live experience together. Very fond memories of those shows.
Tish Gonzales
Life is Beautiful – Chloe Flower
I chose this song because like me, it has no words. I am finding it difficult to not absorb all of the bad news, so listening to these lifts my soul.