Press Play: 11 Upbeat Spotify Playlists Guaranteed to Boost Your Mood

July 09, 2020 by Emily Royal

Did you know that listening to music can increase the release of pleasure-causing chemicals in the brain like norepinephrine and melatonin? The right music may also decrease stress-causing hormone production in the body.

When your energy is low and you're lacking in motivation – whether tackling complex tasks or doing basic chores – press play on one of these 11 Spotify playlists to boost your mood and leave you energised to take on life.

Songs that'll feed your soul

Let Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross and Otis Redding sooth what ails you. This thoughtfully curated playlist is full of good vibes. Press play while you clean the house.

Songs for positive energy

Flex Mami is a bastion of good vibes, so you know this playlist of all her favourite bops is going to boost your mood. Just press play and get to work.

Songs to take you away

Rosalía is a Spanish singer-songwriter from Barcelona, whose voice will teleport you to another plane. Get lost in this mega playlist of her music, including solo tracks and collabs with Travis Scott and James Blake.

Songs to groove to

The music from Paul Thomas Anderson's Boogie Nights is a late '70s/early '80s best of, much of which you'll be familiar with and the rest will be a welcome addition to your own Liked Songs playlist.

Songs for everyone

When you need to boost the mood at work or in group situations, you don't want to go too obscure. This playlist is an eclectic mix of feel-good music from the '60s to today that everyone can sing along to.

Songs for confidence

Compiled by Aussie artist Kira Puru, this playlist will give you strength and motivation while you listen. Featuring '90s classics from Usher and TLC as well as recent releases from Normani and fellow Aussie Sampa the Great, it'll have you feeling like the bad b*tch that you know you are in no time.

Songs for holiday vibes

This playlist is called "are we in ibiza yet" and, honestly, that's a mood we can all relate to. Press play and picture yourself: cocktails, sun, no cares whatsoever.

Songs to carry you through

His voice is like no other. Dr G Yunupingu was an Indigenous Australian musician who began in the '80s supergroup Yothu Yinda and later had massive success as a solo artist. Under the name Gurrumul, he made music inspired by his country in North East Arnhem Land. His voice is like no other.

Songs for getting down to business

RuPaul's Drag Race fans know that the music of Drag Race and its extended universe is perfect for getting into can-do mode. Channelling the energy of a drag queen will help boost motivation and confidence. Now that's just science.

Songs that are by Beyoncé

Call us basic but a playlist featuring only Beyoncé is a no brainer when you want to feel good. The mood boosting properties of Queen B are potent, and even trace amounts found in her music can have significant effects on your energy levels and general wellbeing.

Songs for positivity

Reggae music is historically all about positivity – feeling good and doing good. Koffee is a young artist from Jamaica who's leading the way in a new wave of reggae, along with Chronixx and Popcaan, and this playlist has 50 new tunes that'll give you new life.