One rule of life is that terrible shit is going to happen and you’re going to feel depressed about it. Sometimes for hours, sometimes days, and sometimes even weeks, but it’s important to remember that no matter how bad a situation may seem or how terrible you’re feeling rarely does it not get better if you keep marching forward. Many people deal with their depression through drug use or alcohol, but I’ve found music to be a much more effective method of feeling better (without the hangover!) Here are my personal “feel-better” songs I use to bounce back when life gets me down.

1. Happy Home by Lukas Graham: Lukas Graham is my favorite artist I’ve discovered this year, and how could I not include a song with “happy” in its name. The song tells the story of how Lukas Graham rose to fame after being clinically depressed about the death of his father. This song reminds us that even if we suffer from a loss of a family member, that they would want us to keep going and succeed.
2. Beautiful by Eminem: I can’t tell you how many people have told me to change who I am or adapt to fit their standards of normal. I’ve always tried to be my own person and I think that this song does a pretty good job at reminding you to stay true to yourself because everyone has a beautiful aspect to themselves.
3. Waiting On the World to Change: The world can suck sometimes, this is no secret. Turning on the news and seeing that 300 people died in some needless bombing is enough to get anyone depressed, but this song brings encouragement that over time it is possible to bring change and make the world a better place.