Feeling down and worn out lately? It happens to everyone once in awhile, but luckily, there's something out there that can perhaps cheer you up. But if rainbows, cute puppy photos, and funny GIFs don't do the trick, you could turn to music. There are so many confidence boosting songs for when you need a spring your step that'll having you singing in your car again and strutting down the sidewalk. The Journal of Positive Psychology published two studies in 2012 which found that listening to music can boost a person's mood.
"These studies demonstrate that listening to positive music may be an effective way to improve happiness, particularly when it is combined with an intention to become happier," states the abstract of the studies by Yuna L. Ferguson and Kennon M. Sheldon. Of course, music can't cure everything, but it seems that according to science, it can elevate your mood and chase some of the blues away. From retro songs to modern tunes, there are plenty of tracks that you can get your groove on to and they'll make you feel awesome in the process. And how is that ever a bad thing?
If you're tired of your usual confidence-booster playlist, take a look at the songs below for some sunny inspiration.
1. "You Gotta Be" By Des'ree
This classic '90s track will give you a nostalgia trip and a spring in your step. Win-win.
2. "Only Girl (In The World)" By Rihanna
Rih isn't the only woman in the world, but this song will make you feel like the greatest to walk the planet.
3. "Started From The Bottom" By Drake
Whether you started from the bottom or Degrassi like Drake, this tune will give you a boost in no time.
4. "Damn, It Feels Good To Be A Gangster" By Geto Boys
Known to many as that song from the movie Office Space, this smooth tune will have you slow strutting down the sidewalk.
5. "All Star" By Smash Mouth
This 2001 tune is so upbeat and early 2000s that it'll immediately put a smile on your face.
6. "Fighter" By Christina Augliera
Xtina will get you out of the doldrums with her good ol' fight song.
7. "Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)" By Kelly Clarkson
Get some inspiration from Clarkson's upbeat track.
8. "Titanium" By David Guetta Featuring Sia
Before she was hanging from the "Chandelier," Sia and Guetta were "bulletproof" with "nothing to lose" in this fiery tune.
9. "Starboy" By The Weeknd Featuring Daft Punk
What happens when two of the coolest acts work together? This dark song about fame, which will show you how far you (and The Weeknd) have come.
10. "Party In the U.S.A." By Miley Cyrus
Cyrus may feel uncool when she hops off the plane at LAX "with her dream and her cardigan," but this uplifting tune will brighten your day with memories of young Miley and the reminder that you can always fit in somehow.
11. "Mama Said Knock You Out" By LL Cool J
Haters gonna hate and LL Cool J still has the best opening line for them all: "Don't call it a comeback / I've been here for years."
12. "Born This Way" By Lady Gaga
This anthem of acceptance is the ultimate uplifting tune.
13. "Dancing On My Own" By Robyn
This song has spawned hundreds of covers, but the original always stands out as the No. 1 single woman theme song about taking your heartbreak in stride.
14. "Rise" By Katy Perry
The 2016 Rio Olympics theme song will inspire you to go for your dreams.
15. "Shake It Off" By Taylor Swift
Swift's lyrics seem to be directed at her critics in this track and it embolded her. Perhaps it'll do the same for you.
16. "Stronger" By Kanye West
Sampling Daft Punk, Yeezy's rhymes will make you confident enough to take on anything.
17. "Tell 'Em" By Sleigh Bells
When this song asks "Did you do your best today?" the raucous beat will have you nodding yes, you did.
18. "Not Afraid" By Eminem
This track about not being scared is everything you need against fear.
19. "I Could Be The One" By Avicii Vs. Nicky Romero
A personal favorite, this EDM hit will give you a spring in your step once the lyrics declare, "I could be the one to set you free."
20. "Confident" By Demi Lovato
There's nothing wrong with feeling good about yourself in this tune.
21. "Love Myself" By Hailee Steinfeld
While the song could be interpreted a number of ways (ahem), the core of the tune is this: the only person you really need is you.
22. "Roar" By Katy Perry
This track is about recognizing your own personal power — and it's sure to help you out of your rut.
23. "Fight Song" By Rachel Platten
This hit is all about believing in yourself and being able to keep up your own personal fight.
24. "Beautiful" By Christina Aguilera
When Xtina tells you that you're beautiful in this iconic song, you know she really means it.
25. "Girl On Fire" By Alicia Keys
Don't back down from this woman power tune, which will make you feel like you're on fire, too.
26. "Independent Women, Part 1" By Destiny’s Child
Made for the Charlie's Angels movie in the 2000s, this independence anthem will made you proud to depend on yourself.
27. "The Way I Am" By Ingrid Michaelson
This folksy tune will remind you that all you need is to be yourself.
28. "The Climb" By Miley Cyrus
Cyrus gets inspirational, reminding the listener that it's about the "climb" and not the destination.
29. "Flawless" By Beyoncé and Nicki Minaj
Only Bey could make you feel so flawless.
30. "Eye Of The Tiger" By Survivor
It's the thrill of the fight in this classic rock tune.
31. "Survivor" By Destiny’s Child
This breakup track won't let you give up. Keep on surviving.
32. "Respect" By Aretha Franklin
The original woman power tune. Franklin tells you exactly what she needs in this classic song.
33. "Run The World (Girls)" By Beyonce
Bey leaves no question as to who runs things — and it's a track that'll get you moving, pronto.
These songs should give you that extra push you need to tackle whatever's on your plate.
