It’s #BlueMonday, allegedly the most depressing day of the year, so here are five songs to cheer you up.

#music #selfcare

1. Big Mama Thornton – Let’s Go Get Stoned

I don’t necessarily advocate taking drugs as an antidote to the blues but I can get behind the message of this song: sometimes all you need to do on a particularly bad day is call a friend and chill out together.

2. Ringo Starr – It Don’t Come Easy

An uplifting tune with a suitably wacky video to remind you that good times can be had even in the middle of winter.

3. Toots and the Maytals – Pressure Drop

I dare you not to smile while you’re listening to this song. I have no idea what it’s about but it’s easy to sing along to and will bring some sunshine to the darkest of days.

4. The White Stripes – Broken Bricks

Serious rocking is a great way to blow off some steam. This song always does the job. Two minutes of frantic headbanging won’t solve your problems but it will give you new energy to face them.

5. Janis Joplin – Kozmic Blues

We all go through times when a simple “cheer up, things will get better” just won’t do. I love this song because I love every song Janis ever recorded but also because I think there’s lot of truth in its message. Things don’t always get better but “there’s a fire inside every one of us”.

Now for the serious bit: remember that you don’t have to struggle alone if you’re feeling particularly blue. Seek professional help if you need it or, if that’s too big a step right now, get in touch with an organization like Samaritans.

Photo by Stefan Stefancik from Pexels