Sunday Vibes Playlist: Relax and Regenerate For Next Week

Photo by Mitchel Lensink on Unsplash

How did you spend your weekend? Hanging out with some friends? Getting some fresh air? Dancing the night away? After a hectic weekend, it can feel good to use your Sunday as your rest day.

For me, playing music always brightens my mood and I find it to be one of the best ways to recuperate from the weekend and recharge for the upcoming week. Here are five songs from my “Sunday Vibes” playlist that help me unwind and prepare myself for what Monday has in store.

#1 – “Roll it on Home” By John Mayer

Did some of your plans from this past weekend go awry? John’s got the cure for you. In this song off of his newest album, “The Search for Everything,” his lyrics remind listeners that we all get let down. But rather than feeling sorry for ourselves, we have to pick ourselves up and dust ourselves off. The easy-going guitar riffs that underlie Mayer’s vocals give this song a lighthearted mood. In an interview with Rolling Stone, Mayer explains that the song is “supposed to be like a worn in pair of jeans.” He says he intentionally left some minor imperfections in the recording to give it a relaxed feel.

Memorable Lyrics:

“Come to grips and take your chips when the cards aren’t goin’ your way.”

#2 – “Don’t Matter Now” By George Ezra

Whether you are dealing with an argument with a friend, or just a ridiculous amount of homework, Ezra reminds us that sometimes we need a break from stressful situations. , In an interview with Jimmy Fallon, Ezra said that the song “was literally a ditty I wrote for myself to remind myself to relax.” He prompts us to take a break from our phones and make time to reflect on ourselves.

Memorable Lyrics:

“Sometimes you need to be alone

Shut the door, unplug the phone.”

#3 – “Upside Down” By Jack Johnson

The soothing sound of Johnson’s tone is certainly a stress reliever on its own. Paired with optimistic words of reason, he offers his listeners a progressive approach to whatever surprises life throws at you. Written for the soundtrack of the “Curious George” movie, it is no surprise that this track has a reassuring, lullaby-like undertone.

Memorable Lyrics:

“Who’s to say what’s impossible

Well they forgot, this world keeps spinning

And with each new day

I can feel a change in everything.”

#4 – “Say Anything” By Tristan Pettyman

If you have ever seen the Nicholas Sparks movie “Safe Haven,”  you might remember this romantic tune. Her soft guitar chords leave a peaceful impression. In an acoustic recording of this song done at Capitol Studios that can be found on her VEVO account, Pettyman says that “thishis song is really just about speaking your truth and being honest and keeping communication open.” This song is great if you need some mellow background music when you’re doing homework, but save time later to pay attention to her inspiring lyrics.

Memorable Lyrics:

“If you could go anywhere, anywhere

What would you see?

Take a step in any direction,

It’s make believe.”

#5 – “Follow The Sun” By Xavier Rudd

This song is best for rolling the windows down and going for a long drive. As the only track on its album to be recorded in Australia, Rudd says that “things flowed easily, like the flavor of the tune.” Rudd reminds his listeners to acknowledge and value their individual purpose.

Memorable Lyrics:

“When you feel life coming down on you,

Like a heavyweight

When you feel this crazy society,

Adding to the strain

Take a stroll to the nearest waters

And remember your place”

Life at college can get hectic and it can often be difficult to make time to slow down. Introduce these songs to your daily routine as a way to lighten your attitude and give yourself a fresh frame of mind.