Songs for the Girls with Anxious Hearts

This presidential election made me anxious. I tried to dismiss it at work and that afternoon, but by early evening, I couldn’t focus. Eventually, I just abandoned my writing and went to watch election updates with my family.

I was on social media an embarressingly long time that night. But everyone I talked to was in the same boat, regardless of where they lived. The world was holding its breath, and I knew with absolute certainty that, no matter who won the election, I would wake up the following morning to an angry, hateful world.

So, the next day, I messaged one of my work friends. We talked about work for a while before I sent her the playlist I’d made the night before to help one of my internet friend’s fall asleep. I texted her, “I can’t make the world stop burning but I can send you a relaxing, chill playlist to help you find some peace.”

Something about that has stuck with me. This idea that I can’t make a difference to the world or my country, but right now I can help you. I can sit and talk with you until the morning comes. I can stay here and whisper that there is still light and goodness and hope, no matter how you feel about the election results.

I can make a playlist to help you relax enough to finally fall asleep.

So, to commemorate this little realization, I wanted to share some of my favorite songs from the playlist I made that night. I hope it brings you some peace about the world and a whisper that, in this moment, regardless of how much work you have to do or what you think you can’t face, you are safe.

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Amen by Natalie Taylor

When we feel at peace
We can understand
We say
Amen

I can’t remember how I found this song. I’ve known about it for as long as I can remember. It’s not the most lyrically impressive song I’ve ever heard, but it is one of the most soothing. Natalie’s voice is soft and comforting against a backdrop of gentle strings and piano.

If you’re struggling right now, I recommend looping this and laying down with your eyes closed. I think it’ll make you feel a lot better.

Carry You by Ruelle (ft. Fleurie)

You are not alone
I’ve been here the whole time singing you a song
I will carry you

This will always be one of my favorite comfort songs. I don’t know why, but I tend to think of my older sister when I hear this one. I don’t have much of a relationship with her anymore, and I’ve spent many years grieving the loss of the big sister I always wanted. This song has helped me through that grief in so many ways by allowing me to hear what I always wished she would’ve told me.

If you need to hear that you are not alone—that you have never been alone—this is the song for you.

Forever Rain by RM

Slow rap slow jam
Slow rain
Everything slow

If you’re the kind of girl who likes listening to soft songs in the rain, then this is your song.

It’s mostly in Korean, but it’s so soothing to me. His voice is like a warm blanket on a cold winter night. The melody and repetition of “forever rain” feels like RM’s way of whispering that we’re gonna be okay. That, if we just hang on a little longer, the clouds will part and the sun will rise again.

I also recommend this if you’ve been needing to cry and just can’t. Something about this song always makes me want to start bawling my eyes out, and I think it would be a good cry song.

Still by Dove Cameron

Can we just stand still?
I will if you will
Find some time to kill
Can we just stand still?

I wouldn’t usually recommend Dove Cameron’s songs for a playlist like this, but Still just fits so well. It’s the softest song on her latest album, and it has “written by an anxious girl” energy all over it. The lyrics are practically begging for a moment to just stop time and stop everything from crashing down around you, and I think that fits the mood quite well.

If you’re going through a breakup or just need a breakup-kind-of-song to cry over, this is your song.

The Universe by Kwon Jin Ah

Wherever you’re going,
just want you to know you’re beloved

This is absolutely one of my most-listened-to songs of 2024. I had it on repeat while writing a scene in my novel (it’s also the song for that chapter), and it’s one of my favorite kdrama songs.

Kwon’s voice sounds like an angel, and the lullaby feel of the melody is perfect for when you’re trying to fall asleep. I’ve put this on my sleep playlist many times, and it’s always helped me just relax and let go of any tension from the day.

Safe and Sound by Taylor Swift (ft. The Civil Wars)

Just close your eyes, the sun is going down
You’ll be alright, no one can hurt you now
Come morning light, you and I’ll be safe and sound

This is the ultimate lullaby for my anxious girlies. Whether you’re familiar with it’s Hunger Games origin or not, it will feel like a hug from your mom on an autumn day. I’ve had this song on every single anxiety-go-away playlist I’ve ever made. It’s genuinely just that good.

Perfect for the girls who wanna curl into a ball and hide away from reality for a while.

#LoveSTAY by Stray Kids

I will never make you lonely
You’ll always be beside me

I truly think that everyone needs to hear this song at least once in their life. I don’t care if you hate non-English songs or if you hate kpop with your whole heart. Give this a listen anyway. You don’t have to be a fan of Stray Kids to have this song hit you in the feels. The boys put their souls into making sure that we feel loved, and I think you will if you just give them a chance.

The perfect song if you need to hear a love letter addressed specifically to you.

Heart Full of Praise by Phil Wickham

You gave Your life to set me free
Forever I will sing Your Name
Hands high heart full of praise

When it feels like the world is crumbling around you, listen to this song. It’s a gentle piano worship song that makes my heart ache for heaven every time I hear it. I’ve spent many hours with it on an endless loop and never once have I regretted that decision.

It’s easy to feel like everything is too much and the pain is too great. It’s easy to believe the lie that this season will last forever. But, dear voyager, I promise that it won’t. Jesus sees you in your suffering, and He will reward your perseverance.

So, hang on. Keep running, and when you can’t run, crawl. When you can’t crawl, let Him carry you because He will.

It’s gonna be okay, voyagers. Maybe not right now, but someday it will. And I promise I’ll stay beside you until that day comes. ❤

For more songs, check out my playlist

Let’s Talk!

How are you doing, my friends? What can I be praying for? My DMs are always open if you want to talk privately. But, if you’re comfortable sharing, tell me what life looks like for you right now in the comments down below!