We couldn’t host the International Weekend of Self-Care without releasing an official playlist to go with it!
Self-care is defined as, “the practice of taking an active role in protecting one’s own wellbeing and happiness, in particular during periods of stress.”
Whether you need a song to help you feel happy, relaxed, or inspired, we’ve got you covered. Here’s our countdown of the top 15 songs for self-care.
15 Songs for Self-Care
#15. “Happy” – Pharrell Williams
What better song to lift your mood than Happy” by Pharrell Williams? This song is an excellent reminder to stay positive, even in the wake of life’s many stressors.
Lyrics we love:
Here come bad news, talking this and that
Well, give me all you got, don’t hold it back
Well, I should probably warn you I’ll be just fine
No offense to you
Don’t waste your time, here’s why
Because I’m happy
#14. “Need to Know” – Lily-Jo
This acoustic version of Lily-Jo’s song “Need to Know” is a perfect pick-me-up for when you might be feeling a bit run down or burnt out. Remember, no matter what is going on in your life, you are beautiful and worthy of happiness.
Lyrics we love:
You need to know
You’re beautiful in every single way
Why don’t you know
You’re worthy, don’t let anybody take it away
#13. “Just Fine” – Mary J. Blige
Prioritising your wellbeing is one of the bravest things you can do for yourself. “Just Fine” by Mary J. Blige reminds us to stay confident and fearless – especially when others may doubt us.
Lyrics we love:
So I like what I see when I’m looking at me
When I’m walking past the mirror
Don’t stress through the night, at a time in my life
Ain’t worried about if you feel it
Got my head on straight, I got my vibe right
I ain’t gonna let you kill it
#12. “Put Your Records On” – Ritt Momney (original version by Corinne Bailey Rae)
Ritt Momney’s cover of “Put Your Records On” is an uplifting song about relaxation, finding a sense of calm, and embracing life’s simple pleasures. So go ahead, put your favourite record on this self-care weekend and enjoy yourself!
Looking for the classic version? Check out the official music video here.
Lyrics we love:
Girl, put your records on, tell me your favorite song
You go ahead, let your hair down
Sapphire and faded jeans, I hope you get your dreams
Just go ahead, let your hair down
#11. “Borderline (An Ode to Self Care)” – Solange
Practising good self-care is taking a time-out or a break when we need it. “Borderline (an Ode to Self Care)” by Solange is a wonderful reminder of this.
Lyrics we love:
So let’s take it off tonight
Break it off tonight
Let’s know when to let go
Know when to let go
Take it off tonight
Break it off tonight
You know you’re tired
Know I’m tired
#10. “Friends” – Ella Henderson
Actively practising gratitude can help us stay positive about our life and the future. “Friends” by Ella Henderson is a reminder to cherish and appreciate our friendships.
Lyrics we love:
Friends, with you to the end
Fix you, help you bend, when it gets tough
And when you’re scared, they’re gon’ be right there
So hold onto your friends, friends
#9. “Faith” – Galantis and Dolly Parton
In moments where we may feel alone or overwhelmed, the song “Faith” by Galantis and Dolly Parton reminds us to just have a little faith and trust in those around us. By reaching out to others, we are giving them the opportunity to provide us with a listening ear, advice, and support when we need it the most.
Lyrics we love:
Know the road gets hard
And you just wanna leave
I ain’t ever too far
Just have a little faith in me
I know how to fix you, yeah
Oh-oh, you can believe
Oh, I’ll be standing by your side
Just have little faith in me
#8. “Move On Up” – Curtis Mayfield
Prioritising self-care isn’t always easy, and it can even take some time to establish a good routine. That’s why we love “Move On Up” by Curtis Mayfield. It reminds us to stay confident, motivated, and optimistic about the future.
Lyrics we love:
Take nothing less
Than the supreme best
Do not obey rumors people say
‘Cause you can pass the test
Just move on up
To a greater day
With just a little faith
If you put your mind to it, you can surely do it
#7. “We Got Love” – Sigala and Ella Henderson
When we have compassion for ourselves, and when we have compassion for others, anything is possible. “We Got Love” by Sigala and Ella Henderson is an upbeat song just about that.
Lyrics we love:
No one ever said
It would be okay
But we’ll find a way
When there’s love
And we got love
#6. “Keep Your Head Up” – Andy Grammar
Life is a journey, not a destination. Andy Grammar’s song “Keep Your Head Up” reminds us to stay positive and focused on the big picture, especially in those moments where we stumble.
Lyrics we love:
The glow that the sun gets right around sunset
Helps me to realize
This is just a journey, drop your worries
You are gonna turn out fine
#5. “Self Care” – Louis The Child & COIN
Self-care is something that you do for yourself to maintain your sense of purpose and enhance your wellbeing. Whether you choose to take a bubble bath or paint a picture, give “Self Care” by Louis The Child & COIN a listen and enjoy the fact that you are making self-care a priority in your life.
Lyrics we love:
I do it for myself
I’m dancin’ for no one else
I do it for myself
#4. “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” – Justin Timberlake
“Can’t Stop the Feeling!” by Justin Timberlake can put a smile on anyone’s face. Give it a listen while you’re exercising, cooking a healthy meal, or getting ready in the morning to face the day with a positive attitude.
Lyrics we love:
‘Cause I got that sunshine in my pocket
Got that good soul in my feet
I feel that hot blood in my body when it drops
I can’t take my eyes up off it
Moving so phenomenally
Room on lock the way we rock it
So don’t stop
#3. “Golden” – Jill Scott
Actively choosing to self-care not only helps you find a sense of peace and fulfillment, but it can also help you to be the very best version of yourself for others. “Golden” by Jill Scott reminds us to appreciate this freedom and live each day like it’s golden!
Lyrics we love:
I’m taking my own freedom
Putting it in my song
Singing loud and strong
Grooving all day long
I’m taking my freedom
Putting it in my stroll
I’ll be high-steppin’, y’all
Letting the joy unfold
I’m livin’ my life like it’s golden
#2. “Shine” – Felix Jaehn ft. Freddy Verano and Linying
Everyone experiences difficult phases of life. If we didn’t, we wouldn’t be human! “Shine” by Felix Jaehn ft. Freddy Verano and Linying helps us to remember to shine through challenges and keep moving forward.
Lyrics we love:
Here’s where you lose your mind
We lose it all the time
Look up, darling, and you’ll find
We’re not that different losing brilliance
Every time we want to shine
#1. “Diamond” – Lily-Jo
We are all precious and unique just like a diamond – and we are all worthy of love, compassion, and respect. “Diamond” by Lily-Jo is an excellent reminder of this.
Lyrics we love:
Don’t give up
Stand up, get up
And break the silence
Don’t give up
Stand up, get up
You are a diamond
That’s a Wrap! What We’ve Learned
- Self-care is not selfish. In fact, we need it in order to be the best we can be for others.
- A positive mindset is paramount to good self-care.
- It’s okay to take a break or a time out when we need it.
- It may take some time to build a consistent self-care routine, but that’s okay!
- It’s okay to lean on others when you need to.
Check Out the Playlists!
If you would like to save this playlist and listen later, you can find it on YouTube and Spotify by following the links below:
- YouTube – Your Self-Care Weekend Playlist
- Spotify – Your Self-Care Weekend Playlist
This blog article is a part of The Lily-Jo Project’s International Weekend of Self-Care campaign which takes place in August. To learn more about this campaign and access additional self-care resources, visit www.thelilyjoproject.com/internationalweekendofselfcare.
Further Resources on Self-Care
If you found this article helpful, check out these other resources on self-care provided by The Lily-Jo Project.
About the Author: Shelby Hale
Shelby has been with The Lily-Jo Project since October of 2018, serving as the platform’s PR and Communications Manager. Having lived in four different countries throughout her young adulthood, Shelby is passionate about the positive impact new experiences can have on mental health.
When she’s not working with The Lily-Jo Project, she supports other projects through her creative agency, Hale Marketing and Communications. If you’d like to stay updated with Shelby’s story, you can find her on Instagram and Twitter.
