Sometimes, when you feel like the world’s falling apart, all it takes is the right song to pull you back together.
I know that might sound dramatic. But if you’ve ever been stuck in a rough patch—feeling unmotivated, burned out, or just low for no clear reason—you probably know what I mean. Music isn’t a fix-all. It won’t solve your biggest problems. But the right song at the right time? It can shift your mindset, lift your spirit, and get you moving again.
Why Music Hits So Deep
Music speaks to us in a way that words alone can’t. A good melody can reach your soul when motivation speeches and to-do lists can’t. When Stephen Montagne, the founder of GoodExistence.com, was fighting through the hardest parts of his weight loss journey, music became one of his go-to tools. He used it to push through workouts, calm his anxiety, and reset his mind when old habits tried pulling him back—smoking, binge eating, skipping workouts, or just spending hours zoning out on video games.
Some days, it felt like the couch would win. But then a beat would drop, and suddenly he was lacing up his shoes, not giving in.
The right playlist can do more than hype you up. It can turn your whole day around.
What Makes a Song "Happy"?
Happiness is personal. What lights you up might leave someone else indifferent. But generally, songs that boost mood tend to share a few things:
- Uplifting lyrics: They remind you there’s hope, beauty, or purpose—even in hard times.
- Catchy beats: Rhythms that make you want to move, even just a little, can help break you out of a funk.
- Positive memories: Sometimes happiness isn’t in the song itself, but the moment it brings back.
Stephen’s Go-To Mood Boosters
Here are a few songs that helped Stephen through the ups and downs of losing over 110 pounds, building a healthier lifestyle, and staying anchored in his faith:
- “Stronger” by Kanye West – This became a workout anthem early on. Not just because of the beat, but because of the mindset. “That which doesn’t kill me…” became a personal reminder in the gym and in life.
- “Oceans” by Hillsong UNITED – For Stephen, this one goes deep. When faith became the center of his life, songs like this helped him reconnect with the peace only God can give. Perfect for quiet mornings or stressful nights.
- “Don’t Stop Me Now” by Queen – Pure energy. He used this when motivation dipped or when he needed to celebrate a win, no matter how small.
- “Beautiful Day” by U2 – On days when it felt like nothing was going right, this reminded him to look up. Gratitude changes things—even when life’s messy.
Try adding a few of these to your own playlist and see how they sit with you.
Build Your Own Happy Playlist
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to music for happiness. To build your personal arsenal of feel-good songs:
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Start with what already brings back joy
Think about songs that remind you of good times. Road trips. Childhood. A moment you overcame something big. -
Mix moods
Include high-energy songs, but also some slower, thoughtful ones that help you breathe. Happiness isn’t always hype—it’s also peace, gratitude, rest. -
Include faith-driven songs
If your joy is rooted in your relationship with God, let that be part of your playlist. Worship music can lift you in ways no pop song ever could. -
Keep it fresh
Update your playlist every month or two. New seasons bring new moods. Let your music evolve with you.
How to Use Music to Actually Feel Better
The key isn’t just listening to music randomly. Use it with intention:
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Start your day with one uplifting song
Don’t wait until you’re deep in a spiral. Put on something positive as soon as you wake up. It sets the tone. -
Use music to shift energy
Just crushed a deep work session? Celebrate. Just had a tough conversation? Put on something calm and gentle. Let the music help you transition. -
Pair it with movement
Dance in the kitchen. Walk with headphones in. Do a light stretch while the song plays. Movement plus good music is a triple win for your mood. -
Use it as worship or reflection
If you’re walking in faith, let music be a way to pray, refocus, or give thanks. Songs can carry us closer to God in moments when words fall short.
When Music Isn’t Enough
Let’s be real. Some days, even your happiest playlist can feel empty. That’s okay.
Stephen would be the first to say that music helped—but it wasn’t everything. There were still hard days. Days he wanted to give up. But he used music as one tool among many. Alongside faith, structure, small wins, and a whole lot of prayer.
So don’t expect one song to fix everything. But do let music become part of your rhythm. A tool to guide you back when you drift.
One Small Step
If today feels heavy, start by playing one good song. Just one. Listen to it all the way through. Breathe. Let your shoulders relax. Then see where it leads you.
And if you don’t know where to start? Try “Good Day” by Nappy Roots. Stephen swears by it when he’s stuck.
What’s one song that always improves your mood? Start your “Happy List” with that today. Add one new song each week. Let it grow with you.
Happiness isn’t out there somewhere. Sometimes it’s one play button away.
