The one piece of “medical” advice I would take from Grey’s Anatomy is to dance it out. Maybe work is making you stressed, your kids or partner are getting on your nerves or you’re just in a funk, the answer is simple: Put on some music you love and sweat until you forget about it (at least for a while).
Whenever I’m having trouble focusing and want to burn off some steam — and calories — these are the songs I blast as loud as I can get away with:
“I Wanna Dance With Somebody” by Whitney Houston (1987)
Oh how I miss you Whitney. Those golden pipes could make me weep through a ballad as easily as they can get me up and dancing in no time.
“Shut Up and Dance” by Walk the Moon (2014)
When it’s all a bit too much, it’s time to take this title literally and get moving. Stop worrying, stop complaining and dance like (hopefully) no one is watching.
Best Lyric: “Oh don’t you dare look back / Just keep your eyes on me”
“Jump Around” by House of Pain (1994)
If you’re not great at improvising, this is your jam. Jumping is serious cardio, so follow their instructions and start hopping (jump rope is extra credit).
Best Lyric: “I won’t ever slack up, punk you better back up”
“Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars (2014)
I like to dance it out to this song when I need a confidence boost. By the end, I’m usually standing a little taller, trying to emanate some of Bruno Mars’ swagger.
Best Lyric: “Got Chucks on with Saint Laurent / Gotta kiss myself, I’m so pretty”
“September” by Earth, Wind & Fire (1978)
A classic you’ve probably closed out a wedding dancing to. I highly recommend this ‘70s hit for group dancing sessions.
Best Lyric: “Our hearts were ringing / In the key that our souls were singing”
“Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)” by Beyoncé (2008)
You don’t have to be single to vent through this song from Queen Bey. You just have to be mad at your partner! Just kidding.
Best Lyric: “Cause you had your turn and now you gonna learn / What it really feels like to miss me”
“Groove Is In The Heart” by Deee-Lite (1990)
This song always feels like a grownup version of “The Song That Never Ends,” but that’s not a bad thing. It’s a great one to get lost in and quiet your mind for a while.
Best Lyric: “My supper dish, my succotash wish (sing it, baby)”
“One More Time” by Daft Punk (2000)
It’s not always easy to celebrate the simple, small wins in our everyday lives. So hit play on this electronic hit and give yourself the pep talk you need (and deserve).
Best Lyric: “One more time, we’re gonna celebrate / Oh yeah, alright, don’t stop the dancing”
“I Love It” by Icona Pop ft. Charli XCX (2012)
When you have hit your max, the camel’s back is broken and you are absolutely out of you know what’s to give, this is your anthem. Don’t hold back.
Best Lyric: “I don’t care, I love it”
“Shake It Off” by Taylor Swift (2014)
We all need to learn how to laugh at ourselves. And this goofy track from T-Swift can help you embrace your own quirks and shrug off the haters.
Best Lyric: “But I keep cruising / Can’t stop, won’t stop moving / It’s like I got this music in my mind / Saying it’s gonna be alright”
What is your favorite song to dance it out to? Let us know which tunes we need to add to our list in the comments.
