Having suffered from Anxiety for a few years now, I have realises just how much I appreciate it and what it can give me to help when I am panicked, scared, or feeling alone and upset. Here is a go-to playlist to help when you're going through a tough time...
I have always loved musicals since seeing Jason Donovan in JOSEPH AND HIS AMAZING TECHNICOLOUR DREAMCOAT in 1992. From then, frequent visits to the West End and my local theatres were booking up my diary. Now I make sure I have a theatre trip book at least once a month. It’s something to look forward to.
When I am in the audience of a show, it’s a chance for me to escape and loose myself in the story. It’s a guarantee time to forget my troubles and not worry about the outside world for over 2 hours. Why can’t it be real life?
But even when I am not at the theatre watching a show, I can still rely on Musicals to help me when I am most vulnerable - mainly through the many soundtracks I have on my phone! Here are the songs that I go to that help me calm down and why:
‘I Want to Break Free’ - WE WILL ROCK YOU
A chance to release my anger and frustration. But also the lyric ‘...I know I’m different, and there’s some things I have to do, but I have to be strong when I walk out that door’ really sticks with me. I may be different but that’s not a bad thing.
‘Always Look on the Bright Side of Life’ – SPAMALOT
A song to really help you with your outlook on life, and who doesn’t like a bit of Monty Python to cheer you up.
‘Positve’ – LEGALLY BLONDE
A personal favourite musical of mine, reminding me that if you set your mind to something and dream big you can achieve what others may not think you can. Always ‘Keep it Positive’
‘Don’t Stop Believing’ – ROCK OF AGES
A little bit of Rock and an uplifting message. The lyric before the song on the soundtrack ‘Sometimes the dream you come with, may not be the dreams you leave with...but hey they still rock!’ tells me that sometimes things don’t go as planned, but that doesn’t mean it is a bad thing!
‘Freak Flag’ – SHREK THE MUSICAL
We may be different; we may not be like others. But be proud of who you are, and raise that flag high!
‘Raise You Up/Just Be’ – KINKY BOOTS
If you are happy in the skin that you are in, then just be who you want to be, and don't be moulded by others who don’t know you. You are perfect just as you are.
‘Waving Through a Window’ - or rather, the whole of DEAR EVAN HANSEN
It’s great to see a musical that so much of the public can relate to - the music just relates to all emotions and feelings. One thing is for sure, this show teaches us that you are never alone.
‘This is me’ – GREATEST SHOWMAN
This film is new to musical theatre world, which was immediately loved by me and theatre lovers everywhere. This song in particular spoke to me, as I am sure it did for many others too. ‘When the sharpest words want to cut me down, I’m gonna send a flood, gonna drown them out...’ When you are feeling your worst, stand up for yourself, be happy with who you are.
‘Don’t shoot for the Stars Shoot Higher’ – EUGENIUS!
Another new musical that when it was on, was definately what I needed to see. This song says go for your dreams, if someone stands in your way don’t let them – just shoot higher. It’s such a feel-good song that not only helps your mood but gets you pumped to go out and smash any challenge that comes your way!
So this is my list of go-to musical songs whenever I am upset, having an anxiety attack, or scared. What are the go-to musical songs that help you? Any recommendations?
