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Women from across Solent Mind share the music that has helped them through times of low mental wellbeing
They are songs that have been there for us when we have been low, and brought us joy and hope too.
Music has always been the secret ally of women all over the world. Strength, independence and confidence in who you are: it's the ultimate source of empowerment. We can start to push away those negative thoughts and feel more positive about ourselves as we listen to these songs. Our society is constantly poking and prodding at our bodies with expectations to look and feel a certain way. Music is a way to rebuild the shattered pieces left by the unrelenting beauty standards.
Music is a celebration of colour, heritage, sexuality and gives women an opportunity to reclaim ownership of how we want to define ourselves, as well as complex relationships and mental health, these are just a few of the themes that female artists are making accessible to their listeners. Some of the most powerful songs or rebellious anthems have come from women. These anthems inspire us to celebrate our womanhood. The songs we have chosen have helped us through some of our most painful moments, bereavements, break ups and trauma.
It gives us a safe space to sit with those difficult emotions and feel we are not alone. They have also created joy and laughter, dancing drink in hand in kitchens and naked in bathrooms. We have given birth to our babies and watched them grow all while Lizzo reminded us that our bodies are beautiful and a gift. Being a woman in 2021 is challenging to say the least but while we have these positive female artists sharing songs about real life relatable topics, we can feel that at least someone understands. We feel that someone is there for us, a light in the darkness. We all have that one thing in common: we are women.
Written by Kirsty Hill.
Artist: Jess Glynne
Song: Don’t be so hard on yourself
This song reminds me of how far I have come and how I need to stop putting so much pressure on myself. I’m enough as I am.
Title: Soar
Artist: Christina Aguilera
The album Stripped helped me through bereavement when I was a teenager. This song particularly spoke to me as it told me that all people go through low points, but you can pick yourself up and enjoy life if you just believe in yourself.
Artist: Beyonce (feat. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie)
Song: Flawless
This song makes me feel empowered, motivated and eager to help shatter the glass ceiling women, in particular, Latin women face.
Artist: Chvrches
Song: Death Stranding
I like this song because it makes me look ahead; the upbeat nature evokes visions of the future -- what could be -- potential, and it makes me feel motivated in wanting to take opportunities - in spite of the self-doubt/anxiety that is perpetually within me.
Artist: Rachel Platten
Song: Fight song
This song reminds me of when I found real inner strength and reminds me of how far I've come.
Artist: Ministers De La Funk featuring Jocelyn Brown
Song: Believe
It's about finding inner strength and independence, it's my go to song to lift my spirits and makes me feel ready for anything. Plus its awesome to dance to!
Artist: Annie Lennox
Song: There must be an angel playing with my heart.
An amazing strong woman who has never been constrained by society and what you should or shouldn't be!
Artist: Taylor Swift
Song: Shake it off
This song is really upbeat and fun, with a really strong underlying message, basically saying, let others think whatever they want – but it doesn’t have to affect you.
Artist: Taylor Swift
Song: ME!
I went with one of my favourite artists. As I once got called ‘idiosyncratic’ in a school report…..I had to look it up to find out what it meant and wasn’t sure whether to feel insulted or proud! I think it’s important to embrace uniqueness and shine as you are, never try to hide your quirks to please others, real friends love the real you. This song helps me to remember this.
Artist: Anna Meredith
Song: Nautilus
This song doesn't really empower me, but it does make me forget whatever else is on my mind at the time.
“This time is certainly harder than the last lockdown, everyone is just fried."
"Being creative can be a great way to use mindfulness without us even realising it."
At the moment, we’re told that the safest place to be is home. For those who experience domestic abuse that damages their mental health, it can feel more dangerous than ever.
