How Are You Today? | A Self Care Playlist

~ :cherry_blossom: ~

Originally I had a different playlist blog that I was going to post but it just didn’t seem like now was the time for it so I will be postponing it for a little while. Instead I ended up feeling inspired to write a new blog. I’ve been struggling a lot lately & I know many others have as well. I decided to make a self care playlist of some of the songs that I have on my own personal playlist that have helped me through hard times & combined some related rambles of my feelings/thoughts/advice/etc. It might be a bit personal so I hesitated again, but I hope it will maybe help others who are going through a hard time.

CW/ Mental health, trauma, therapy

*Many sections include topics regarding mental health, negative thoughts, truama, etc. It is not graphic but either mentioned or implied.

~ :blossom: ~

누군가의 한숨

그 무거운 숨을

내가 어떻게

헤아릴 수가 있을까요

당신의 한숨

그 깊일 이해할 순 없겠지만 괜찮아요

내가 안아줄게요

정말 수고했어요

”Breathe. Take a deep breath. Just breathe.”I say this on a daily basis. To myself, to my friends, even sometimes to my students. My co-teacher even says it when she sees me starting to stress. “Breathe” - to many it’s just one word yet it can have so many meanings.

Just like how this song might seem like just a song to some, but to many it has such a powerful meaning. It is so beautifully written & both breaks my heart yet soothes & comforts me all at once. I just knew I had to include this song. While it might be an obvious choice, it’s not a self care playlist without Breathe in my opinion. Lee Hi’s vocals are so soft, haunting, & gorgeous. The way she conveys emotion in her tone really brings this beautifully written song to life. I cannot even express how many times this song has helped me on days were I felt helpless. The lyrics are like words I wishes to hear but no one else dared to say. Like enveloping me in a much needed hug. Telling me that it’s okay to take a rest if I’m tired & that I’ve been doing a good job. It captures the empathy of a person who might not be going through the same things but is understanding & empathic. A person that sees what you’re going through & tells you that you’re not o blame & that they’re on your side. This song itself is like a fresh breath of air. I’m trying my best but I can’t even put it into the exact words I want to, to explain how much this song means to me. It’s definitely my emotional song & I feel like it can bring comfort & strength to others as well.

Since this song is called breathe, I want to mention how helpful mindful breathing can be. There are so many types of breathing exercises which can help for various things. If you look up “mindful breathing” or “breathing exercises” there are websites that explain different breathing techniques, what they help with, & how to do them. Or even just looking up guided breathing on YouTube there are many videos that can help you if need a bit of extra help. As a teacher I use this one in class a lot called “roses & bubbles”. Close your eyes and breath in deeply through your nose. Imagine you’re smelling roses or if you don’t like roses pick another flower you like or maybe just something that has a scent that calms you. Hold it in for a count of 3. Then as if you’re blowing bumbles breath out through your mouth for a count of 3. Repeat as much as necessary. This exercise is good for stress, redirecting focus, & fighting off frustration. to just breath. Even if you’re tired. Take a rest, then breathe. Even if it’s small breaths that’s okay. Even if it’s a sigh it counts, too. Just breathe.

~ :cherry_blossom: ~

Stop 맘대로 나를 판단하는 소리들

층간소음처럼 짜증만 나거든

언제부턴가 이런 잔소리만 들려

시끄러 이제는 I don’t wanna hear no more

구제 불능 엉터리 난 네, 얘기에 절대 속지 않지 uh

궁금하지도 않은 말 뻔뻔히 해봤자 하품만 연발해 번번이

왜 그리 얘기만 해 speakers 톤 업 돼서 또 언성을 높여

이젠 신경 안 써 don’t care no more 됐어 날 내버려 둬

I feel like naturally people can be their own biggest critics. We might doubt ourselves & put ourselves down. We may experience feelings of not being enough or not doing enough. We might feel discouraged in the face of failure. It’s human. We make mistakes. We aren’t perfect no matter how much some of us might want to be (my fellow perfectionists, I’m looking at you). & all of that is okay. It’s okay to make mistakes. That’s how we learn. It’s okay to not be perfect because perfection is a subjective concept. What’s perfect for one person may not be perfect for the next. There is no true perfect. Why beat ourselves up over something that isn’t obtainable? Make your own perfect. What ever your best is. Whatever trying your hardest looks like. That is your perfect. Don’t tell yourself otherwise. Don’t let the negative thoughts tear you down or make you feel not enough.

The above reasons is why I chose Voices by Stray Kids for this playlist. This song has such a powerful message to it that I think many can relate to. For me, the lyrics remind me to challenge my thoughts & not listen to the negative intrusive thoughts that pop into my head. Stray Kids definitely has a way of taking these lyrics & turning them into art through the way they deliver it. The feelings can be felt throughout the entire song with each verse & each rap/vocalization of each member of the group. The vocals are powerful especially the ablids & the rapping speaks volumes. Not only is it a song that I feel is good for when you’re being overly critical of yourself, but it also reflects that you don’t have to listen to harsh words of others either.

This is a little personal, but to end this section I want to share this advice my therapist has given me before. It’s helped me a lot with dealing with negative & intrusive thoughts & I hope it might help someone else. My therapist told me to challenge my thoughts. Is it a fact or is it an opinion? Is it all around & universally true or do I just feel this way right now? What are the actual facts? Such as thoughts like “I’m not good enough”, is that factually true? No. That’s a feeling. Feelings are not facts. Separate them & change your thinking on it. “I feel like I’m not good enough, but that’s not a fact. The fact is that I am having a hard time but I am trying my best to better myself.” The “voices” are not facts & as Stray Kids has said, “ step out of them voices” you do not need to listen to them.

~ :blossom: ~

Aquarium

가능하면 어서

돌이키고 돌이켜

쓰러질 때쯤 더

부릅뜨고 부릅떠

Aquarium

빠져나갈 수가 없는

왜곡된 너의 그 사실

I can be my own worst enemy. I’m sure many others feel this way, too. We experience a lot through our lives, some at young ages, some as we get older, some more than others, yet there is no comparison or no real ‘worse’ because the things you experience are real or valid. Sadness & trauma do not discriminate unfortunately. Sometimes it stays bottled up other things it manifests into fear or anger. I definitely relate to having this feeling like I’m drowning while everyone else moves forward around me. Trapped in my own aquarium in my head, unable to break the glass & escape.

ONEWE’s song Trauma (Aquarium) capture those thoughts & feelings perfectly. It gives me comfort to listen to this song as it makes me feel seen, heard, & understood. It’s hard to explain but it comforts me & calms me each time I listen. The vocals are so strong yet beautiful. Especially the way their vocals blend together in the CyA-Dongmyeong harmonies & the harmony between the where they sing “Aquarium”. There vocals on their own feel so isolated yet together makes such an emotional impact. & who can forget that charged instrumental solo that feels like a battle between Kanghyun’s guitar & Harin’s drums? Absolute masterpiece. The lyrics are also a reminder of what those feelings feel like as well as that it’s okay to reach out for help when you feel trapped in those feelings. “If it’s not late, then let’s turn back and back again. When you’re about to fall get back up and up again”, “I wanna soothe my heart. The day I fell right into the sea. Reach out your hand, come now, and save”.

It’s okay to have negative feelings. It’s okay to feel sad, hurt, lost, confused, frustrated angry, & so on. You do not need to feel happy all the time or force yourself to be happy. The negative feelings are valid, too. Don’t keep it bottled up. Find constructive ways to release it. Write them down, scream them out (in a safe place), use art or music to help you release them, exercise if you are able to (dance, martial arts, run, swim, jumping jacks, push ups, really anything whether it’s a sport or just doing exercises that you know), meditate, talk to someone you trust, make a list of places you want to go or things you want to do, start a new & relaxing hobby, take a nap, volunteer somewhere helping others, make a list of strengths or things you’re good at, make a list of ways to solve any problems you might have, reflect, & really any positive solution that helps you release all those bottled up feelings. You might sometimes feel alone, but you are not. It can be hard but if trying to release those feelings doesn’t help the next step is reaching out. If it doesn’t work, try again, & again, & again until your voice is heard. Please do not suffer in silence. You matter so much more than you may even know.

~ :cherry_blossom: ~

Baby, I believe in you, you

언제든 지금처럼만

You, ooh, ooh, ooh

Yeah, believe in you, you (ayy)

눈부신 여름날의 우리

뜨거운 지금만 기억해

그거면 충분해, now

Believe in yourself. I know that sounds easier said than done, but consider some suggestions- Do that thing you always wanted to do but didn’t have the confidence. Push yourself out of your comfort zone (but only if you feel ready to do so). Praise your accomplishments & make plans for your future goals that you’ve yet to achieve. Don’t be so hard on yourself. Countless things that might have already been said or heard before, but are you putting it to practice? Allow yourself to make mistakes & trust yourself to have the room to grow & improve. You can do anything you set your mind to. Be your biggest cheerleader when you can, but on days where it’s hard reach out to someone you can count on to help cheer you on. I believe in you & I’m sure many others do, too.

UP10TION wrote this beautiful cheerful song, Believe In You, about how they believe in their fans & I want to share it because it definitely cheers me on during days where I’m too tired to uplift myself. I think regardless if you stan UP10TION or not this song may still be the boost of serotonin you need or just encourage you when you need it. The upbeat vibes & positive lyrics make it a really happy & fun track to listen to. Sweet & full of & good vibes. It’s hard for me not to smile when I listen to it. I hope it can also bring a smile to others. The prominent use of guitar in it makes it different than other UP10TION songs which is something I like because it’s like a special song unlike any other they have. The effects in the chorus & the clapping sounds give this unified feel to it that makes me want to sign & clap along. It’s like a reminder that there’s always someone out there who believes in you & is rooting for you.

Please , you are capable, worthy, & you can do whatever you set your mind to! Even if you don’t always know it, there definitely are people who care & want you to succeed in whatever you do. Believe in that, believe in yourself. Once again, I believe in you!

~ :blossom: ~

어둠은 그저 나에겐

동이 트기 전 새벽

해가 뜰 거야 언젠간

빛을 볼 때까지 have a good time

어둠은 그저 나에겐

동이 트기 전 새벽

해가 뜰 거야 언젠간

빛을 볼 때까지 have a good time

”Will I ever meet my goals?” “Why is it so difficult” “I try so hard yet everything seems to keep going wrong”. “Why is this happening?” “I was so close, so I just have to accept it & give up now?” There are times when I get overwhelmed or when I feel like things are too much to handle. I grow distant, cold, & numb. I’ve been working so hard, but for what? Quit. Part of me wants to quit & just stay home & rest but the other part tells me I’m so close & to keep going. It can be hard to remind myself that sometimes need to just take a step back & realize that I don’t need to stress & overwhelm myself so much. While, I need to keep going even when it’s tough, that doesn’t mean should stress myself out over every little thing. I need to trust the process & tell myself that my effort will pay off soon. Keep going but take short rests when needed.

Don’t Worry by Gunmin X Heedo is a song I hold very dear. The lyrics are so beautiful & well written. The rap & vocals are so comforting as well. It’s like the voices of reasoning saying “Hey, it’s hard. I get it, but keep going. It will be worth it.” Heedo’s rap is bittersweet. You can tell with the emotions in his tone as well as Gunmin’s tone in his vocal parts that this song has so much meaning & most likely the lyrics are how they personally feel as well as using that to tell others to keep going as well no matter how hard it is or how far away your dreams might seem. My favorite lines that I actually have written down & put into my collage board are, “It doesn’t have to be now, but I am sure I will be what I wanted”, “Spring comes when this winter ends.” & “I don’t doubt my dream. It’s the only one, the sunshine.” those lyrics just really resonate with me & remind me that it’s okay if it’s hard now because it won’t always be that way. Actually, this song came around the time I had to give up dancing. My whole dream that I worked towards since I was a young child just shattered before me. Hearing this song comforted me in a time where I felt like my dream would not come true anymore & everything was dark & bleak. Now, my dream has come true but in a different way. A new dream encouraged by my old dream. It would not have happened if I gave up back then.

, before the good times there will be hard times & that’s okay. Focus on your dream & trust yourself. Don’t worry yourself too much. Don’t stress too much. You’re on the right path, just take your time. Walk, don’t run. You’ll get there.

~ :cherry_blossom: ~

Just D N D now

온 세상 가득해질 너만의

Color color color ooh

좋아 지금 모습 그대로 live your life

Just D N D now

누구도 막을 수 없어

계속 걸어

네 방식대로 Find your way

I feel like there’s days were I went without seeing the sun even though the sun was right there in front of me. I overlooked the butterfly outside my window & the cool post-rain scented spring breeze. While it’s okay to over look those things, it made me feel better when I started looking for them. My silver lining on a hard day. The ray of sunlight even when I felt under a stormy personal rain cloud. The rainbow after the ugliest storms. Even on my worst days I made it a point to seek these things out. It was hard at first. Some days it’s still hard, but there’s always at least one little thing I eventually could find that brought just a little beauty to my life.

I feel like this song, D N D by Apink, is a perfect reminder to look for that one thing in each day that makes it beautiful. As a song D N D for me is reminiscent of some of Apink’s earlier songs. Like it gives me the same feelings but of course the tone has become more refined as they have gotten older. Still cute, positive, in cheerful, but also with an elegant tone to it that shows their growth as a veteran group. The beat is so bright & shining & the vocals match perfectly not over shining nor being shadow by it. The chorus is so catchy & I can’t song along with it without just naturally smiling & dancing along. The title itself, “D N D” means “Do Not Disturb”. Oh Hayoung has described D N D as, ‘going your own way, in your own style’ & that is is supposed to bring strength & healing especially in times now where many people are struggling. It includes themes about being yourself, trusting yourself, & finding your own happiness. If you have to play a game of “find it” that’s okay, but it’s there. It can be something as simple as hearing your favorite song come on the radio, seeing your favorite color, finding a literal rainbow in the sky, kind words or a smile from a friend or even a stranger, or any other things that happens or you see that makes you feel even just the tiniest bit better.

So, again try to look for at least one happy, positive, or good thing in each day. Sometimes it’s easier to find & sometimes it might take a much longer time. Go on that scavenger hunt. Find your rainbow. The little glimpse of happiness, hope, humor, or whatever it is that brings just a little light to your day. Unfortunately everyday isn’t always beautiful, but keep in mind that despite that there is still glimpses of beauty in every day.

~ :blossom: ~

That’s it for this blog.

There are many more songs I could have included but wanted to keep this from getting too long. For example some for songs I originally wanted to also include: N.Flying’s How R U Today(made the title reference it instead though)/Flower Fantasy, Laboum’s Heal Song, IU’s Love Poem, Nell’s Ocean Or Light, & many more. What songs would you add to this playlist?

One more message to readers:

Please, please take care of yourself. Rest, hydrate, do things you enjoy (even if you might not want to at first), wash your face, wear something comfortable or that makes me feel nice, vent when you need to, exercise if you can (release of endorphins), say positive affirmations to yourself, cry when you need to, smile when you can. You are loved, worthy, important, valued, & irreplaceable. Even on days where you might feel like you want to give up, try one more time. Please.

Thank you for reading. Stay safe. I love you <3

~ :cherry_blossom: ~