33 Best Songs to Listen to on Repeat When You’re Feeling Anxious
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It's probably safe to say music has a transformative effect, carrying the ability to significantly change our moods and emotions. Especially for those who experience anxiety, music is a form of escapism and an outlet for settling restless thoughts.
While some songs speak directly to mental health struggles or hardships — reminding us it’s OK to not feel OK all the time — others simply have melodies and rhythms that evoke a sense of calm. Below, we’ve compiled a list of songs that capture both of these spirits. You’ll find some classics, softer ballads, and even a couple of empowering anthems.
Of course, music and its interpretations are subjective, so let this list be a collection to get started with. Maybe you’ll discover something new, or find the direction for a comfort playlist of your own. And never forget you're not alone; many celebs have anxiety as well, including Selena Gomez, Lizzo, and Camila Cabello.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental illness, you can call the National Alliance on Mental Illness HelpLine at 1-(800)-950-NAMI (6264) or visit their website.
"It's Nice to Be Alive" by Ball Park Music
The chorus is a great reminder there are people who care about you and to not let your anxiety get the best of you: Don't stress / That's dumb / I'm here / And it's nice to be alive / Chill out / It's all right / Kiss me / It's nice to be alive.
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"My Mind & Me" by Selena Gomez
Selena Gomez is no stranger to sharing with fans about her mental health struggles, and this song is also the name of her Apple TV+ documentary that came out in 2022.
Anyone who has felt like their mind is its own person and is working against them can relate to this song.
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"Michael in the Bathroom" from Be More Chill
You don't have to have seen the Broadway musical Be More Chill to understand what's going on in this song. We've all been to a party or event where we stayed inside the bathroom a little bit too long, just to get some peace and quiet and solitude.
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"The Monster" by Eminem ft. Rihanna
Anxiety can feel like a monster living in your head, and Eminem has Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, aka OCD.
OCD and anxiety can go hand in hand, so Eminem's song will especially resonate with not just people with anxiety, but those who have been diagnosed with OCD as well.
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"Safe & Sound (Taylor's Version)" by Taylor Swift
Originally, Taylor Swift created this song for the Hunger Games soundtrack with the Civil Wars. The melody is very soothing and can help calm you down if you're in the middle of an anxiety attack.
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"I Don't Care" by Ed Sheeran & Justin Bieber
Going to social events can make your anxiety spike, but thankfully there's this song by Ed Sheeran and Justin Bieber that's about their struggles with anxiety — especially those in social situations.
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"Under Pressure" by Queen
This hit '80s song, originally released as a single by Queen and David Bowie, is a true power anthem to scream-sing to when you feel like you're about to explode.
Maybe you have so many exams to prepare for and no time to study. Or, maybe you're trying to work full-time while also going to school and having a social life. Whatever stress you're currently dealing with right now, belting out "Under Pressure" will help alleviate some of that anxiety.
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"Waving Through a Window" from Dear Evan Hansen
The title character in this Broadway musical and movie adaptation has social anxiety and depression. "Waving Through a Window" is the second song in the show and perfectly highlights how it feels to be invisible and desperately wanting to change that.
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"Fake Happy" by Paramore
We've all pretended that things were OK when they really weren't, and this song from Paramore is here to let you know that it's totally fine if you're NOT totally fine right now.
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"Little Talks" by Of Monsters and Men
Anxiety surrounding a person's relationship can sometimes feel even more debilitating than more generalized anxiety, and this song by Of Monsters and Men helps express that feeling.
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"Unwell" by Matchbox Twenty
The lyrics from the chorus, But I'm not crazy, I'm just a little unwell, are good ones to remember when you're dealing with anxiety and feel like you're losing grip on reality.
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"Help I'm Alive" by Metric
The song talks about someone's "heart beating like a hammer," which is how it can feel when you're in the middle of an anxiety attack.
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"Why Should I Worry" by Billy Joel
This song from Disney's Oliver & Company will quickly have you singing along and watching those anxious feelings fade away.
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"Here Comes the Sun" by The Beatles
An oldie but a goodie. An upbeat tune that carries the reminder that brighter days lie ahead, do-do-do-do. 🎶
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"this is me trying" by Taylor Swift
No matter how you interpret the literal meaning of the lyrics, Taylor’s soft melody prompts us to remember that we’re all just doing the best we can.
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"Free Spirit" by Khalid
In an interview with MTV News, Khalid revealed the essence behind this heartfelt track: “I love the idea of becoming a free spirit, but I acknowledge the fact that I'm not one now, which allows me to be excited to be one in the future. I'm all for finding out.”
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"Fast Car" by Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman’s hit song from the 1980s is a heavy account of life’s difficult obstacles, and her dynamic lyrics make the song relatable to anyone experiencing a personal struggle.
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"Saturday Sun" by Vance Joy
Accompanied by a ukulele, Vance Joy’s “Saturday Sun” resonates with each and every one of us who has experienced the highs and lows in life.
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"Vienna" by Billy Joel
*Maybe* this song reminds us all too well of that pivotal scene from 13 Going on 30. But hearing, Slow down you're doing fine / You can't be everything you want to be before your time, centers our soul. You’ll get to wherever you’re headed — just give it time.
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"Shake It Out" by Florence + the Machine
This is arguably one of the most empowering anthems to exist, if that’s the tune you’re in the mindset for. As Florence proclaims, “It’s always darkest before the dawn.”
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"I'm Like A Bird" by Alessia Cara
There’s no denying that Nelly Furtado’s original “I’m Like A Bird” is a classic. But Alessia Cara’s 2019 cover offers a slightly more acoustic rendition of the hit song.
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"Girl on Fire" by Alicia Keys
This is an impactful, passionate ballad about letting go and finding the fire within yourself. It’s no doubt a powerful representation of channeling your inner strength, perfect for when you’re looking for that push.
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"Holocene" by Bon Iver
Bon Iver delivers a hypnotic sound with “Holocene.” As frontman Justin Vernon once explained to NPR, the essence of the song carries a humbling message: “Our lives feel like these epochs, but really we are dust in the wind.”
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"Fade Into You" by Mazzy Star
The slow beat, rhythmic guitar strums, and faint echo effect combine to make this ‘90s alt-rock song hauntingly beautiful.
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"24/7" by Kehlani
Kehlani sings, It's OK to not be OK / To dive in your pain / And it's alright to not be alright at the very top of this anthem. She speaks about her struggles with depression, but asks listeners to not be so hard on themselves and to keep searching for their “light.”
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"lovely" by Billie Eilish feat. Khalid
In this collaboration, both Billie and Khalid are earnestly upfront about the effects of depression and loneliness, giving listeners an honest account of living with and confronting anxieties.
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"mirrorball" by Taylor Swift
Yes another Taylor Swift song, but one that is equally as powerful, shining a light on the different versions of ourselves we might feel compelled to put forward at times.
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"Fix You" by Coldplay
“Fix You” captures the vulnerability and helplessness that can take hold of us all at some moments in life, that feeling of being “stuck in reverse.”
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"Put Your Records On" by Corrine Bailey Rae
A beautiful song with an empowering message. According to InStyle, artist Corinne Bailey Rae wrote the track as a way to celebrate her self-confidence and embrace her natural hair.
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"Fallingwater" by Maggie Rogers
While “Fallingwater” is effectively a song about a breakup, Maggie Rogers’s lyrics are reminiscent of all those times we feel unraveled and unsure what to make of a situation.
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"Zebra" by Yuno
Many of Yuno’s songs possess a tranquil but uplifting beat, and his cover of Beach House’s “Zebra” is no exception.
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"Landslide" by Fleetwood Mac
"Landslide" is an undeniable classic all about the changes and transitions we go through in our life’s journey.
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"oh baby" by LCD Soundsystem
There’s something so cinematic yet calming about this song from indie band LCD Soundsystem.
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