Isolation Coping Songs

On our Instagram account, I asked you all for a sad song, a smiling song, a dancing song, and a calming song.

No, they weren’t just for my personal interest (although I have been listening to these playlists on repeat)! They’re for you! We’ve been in isolation for almost four weeks now, and personally, I’m really sick of my music. I thought you all might be too, so I decided to compile all of our favorite songs into 4 different coping playlists. They turned out SO GREAT. I have personally been test-listening to them, and they’re a real treat. One minute you're listening to Lorde and the next you’re listening to China Ann McClain (???). And yes. Timothée Chalamet is the cover of EACH and EVERY one. You’re welcome. Without further adieu, let’s get sad.

First step: wallow. This situation capital S Sucks. I miss my friends, I miss school (???), and I miss being outside my house. I know you might be feeling FOMO from your own life, and it’s ok to be upset by that. We don’t know when this is going to end, and we’re all a little lost. So embrace that confusing and sad feeling, and listen to this playlist to cry your eyes out! Sounds fun right?! Let’s be honest. We’re teenagers. We love suffering to sad music.

Next: give yourself some time to reflect on the good. Again, I know—the situation capital S Sucks. You’re probably asking what in the world could I be smiling about right now??? Listen—there’s always something good going on. Find that something now. Maybe your siblings are back home and you get to live with them again. That’s good! Maybe you finally have time to read that massive 800 page book you’ve always wanted to read (Hi Middlemarch, 10/10 recommend). That’s good too! Maybe you have time to spend the whole day watching A24 movies. That’s AMAZING. Put things into perspective—if you’re in a home with books and movies and family you enjoy, you’re lucky. Some people don’t have that luxury. Enjoy it! Find the good and smile a bit.

Next up: dance it out. Go crazy. You can’t dance in a happy * yay I’m in a good mood and didn’t have to wake up before noon * way. Or you can dance in a * I need to go outside I’m slowing going insane I miss my friends * way. Either way is acceptable. But you need to dance it out. Partly because you haven’t left your bed since yesterday, and partly because it’s hella therapeutic. Do your thing.

Finally: calm yourself down, get dressed, and go about your day. Breathe a little, you deserve it. There’s no right way to feel about this situation. You’re doing just fine. We don’t know when this will end, but we know it will end. So think about that. Think about the first time you’ll see your friends again. Think about the good things that will come after this—think about how we’ll never take life for granted ever again. Lay on your back and listen to these songs to remind yourself you’re not alone.

Message me on instagram @vivianleechambers or email me vivian@uniquelyaligned.com if you need anything!