It’s time to harness the power of music. Follow our five tips to start building your new, ultimate feel-good playlist

Music has the ability to completely transform our moods. How many times has an upbeat song come on, and suddenly your feet are tapping, you’re singing along, and the worries that were weighing you down now feel that much lighter?

A study published in PLOS One found that music has the power to significantly reduce stress levels, and we can all vouch for the way that the right song at the right time can instantly put a smile on our face.

A song from your childhood

Whether it’s a cheesy pop song that you longed to come on at your school disco, or a track that reminds you of road-trip sing-a-longs with your family, pick a song that brings out your inner-child. Childhood is so often a time of freedom and joy, and music that takes us back can help us remember those times and embrace the simple things that once made us so happy.

A song that reminds you of a person

Maybe it’s a song that perfectly sums up your relationship with your significant other, or one that you and a friend would sing along to at the top of your lungs. Think about a person who you care about deeply, and who you are grateful to have in your life, and choose a song that reminds you of all the happy times you have shared together.

A song that transports you to another place

Where do you feel most happy? Bounding through the rolling countryside? Lounging on a sunny beach? Tucked up and cosy at home? Music can transport us to other times and places – a lovely reminder for when we can’t be there physically. Pick a song that captures the feeling of a happy place you have been. Maybe it’s an upbeat holiday anthem, or a slow, comforting track that reminds you of home. Find the link, and add it to the list.

A song you know every word to

There’s little more satisfying than singing along with every word in a song, from start to finish. You don’t have to be a Céline Dion to belt out a tune every now and then, and there are many wellbeing benefits of singing, including breathing techniques and the release of happy hormones into the body. So pick an old familiar, then show us what you’ve got.

A song that gets you on the dancefloor

Is there a song that causes you to make a bee-line for the dancefloor the moment it comes on? There’s nothing like a bit of no-holds-barred dancing to lift your mood. You don’t have to look good, the only thing that matters is that you feel good. Feel the music, allow the joy to spread through your body, and let yourself go.