4 Must-Have Anthems for Your Self-Care Playlist

When people say music feeds your soul, they aren’t lying. From the beat to the lyrics, it all works together to make us feel something. Most days, we’re so focused on our careers, our family, and our friends, but when do we take the time to focus on ourselves? When do we take the time to love ourselves? Sometimes all you need is an amazing playlist and a bubble bath to spend a little time taking care of you.

Ready to create your own self-care playlist? Check out some of our favorite self-care anthems below.

Feelin’ Good by Nina Simone

Photo via Lola Who

If you need to feel a little good about yourself, it’s nothing Ms. Simone can’t solve. Originally written for a musical, Nina Simone covered this show tune and made it an anthem. Her sultry alto voice crooned about starting a new life, invoking the feel good vibes we all need. A definite throwback and classic, the song appeared on her 1965 album “I Put a Spell on You.”

Lyrics we love: “Yeah, freedom is mine, and I know how I feel / It’s a new dawn / It’s a new day / It’s a new life for me / And I’m feelin’ good.”

 Superwoman by Alicia Keys

Photo via Rolling Stone

Taking care of oneself is important, and a big part of this is feeling empowered to take on such a task. We love “Superwoman” by Alicia Keys for getting us motivated and inspired. The was the fourth single released on Key’s 2007 album “As I Am”, the R&B singer serenades her listeners with tales of women struggling and how they overcome their hardships because they are a “Superwoman.” This track caused Alicia Keys to win the 2009 Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance.

Lyrics we love: “Even when I’m a mess / I still put on a vest / With an S on my chest / Oh yes / I’m a Superwoman.”

 No More Drama by Mary J. Blige

Photo via LA Times

For those tired of the pain, say, “Yeah!” For those tired of the drama, say “Yeah!” Mary J. Blige has definitely had enough and so have we. Often times we’re stuck taking care of those who turn around and hurt us, and Auntie Mary has given us the next song on our self-care playlist. In this 2001 single, Mary J. tells us to give up the pain, games, and drama and to focus on ourselves.

Lyrics we love: “Broken heart again / Another lesson learn / Better know your friends / Or else you will get burn / Gotta count on me / Cause I can guarantee / That I’ll be fine.”

Video by India.Arie

Photo via Uptown Magazine

Our favorite pick on our Self-Care playlist is none other than “Video” by India.Arie. Nothing will teach you to love yourself or care for yourself more than this anthem. In this tune, Arie argues what it means to be a woman, whether it means shaving your legs, combing your hair, or looking like a model in a music video. Ultimately, a woman is who she wants to be because all India wants you to be able to say is, “I learned to love myself unconditionally because I am a queen.”

Lyrics we love: “When I look in the mirror and the only one there is me / Every freckle on my face is where it’s suppose to be / And I know my creator didn’t make no mistakes on me / My feet, my thighs, my Lips, my eyes, I’m loving what I see.”

Instead of only focusing on others, be sure to focus on yourself. Nina, Alicia, Mary, and India didn’t write these songs simply for themselves. They wanted us to sing along and feel the power behind the message. In the comments, let us know what songs you have on repeat when it comes to loving yourself.