Say Hello to My Friends Angst & Anxiety

At this point in my life, I know Angst and Anxiety pretty well. Constantly following me around, I've learned about their cues enough now to know when they are going to show up and what they are going to say to me. "What if you're not good enough?", "What if they hate you?", "Do you actually deserve to be here?". Ever the toxic friends, they never really leave you alone and constantly convince you to put yourself down. If you're dealing with the same issues, check out these 26 songs below and see if they help drive A & A away. This is somewhat of a cafeteria line of songs where there are five in each separate genre, so feel free to mix and match what songs make you feel the best.

Category One: Dreamy Pop to Help You Float Away from Your Anxieties

These are not the happiest of songs, but there is something about their ambient sounds and soft tones that allow me to relax. Beyond this, the artists are projecting their emotions in this song, which helps me feel like I'm not alone in what I am feeling.

1. "i walk this earth all by myself" by EKKSTACY
2. "Kate's Not Here" by Lawrence Rothman, Day Wave, & girl in red
3. "Drag" by Day Wave
4. "Jeune" by Ruby Haunt
5. "In Manchester" by Black Marble

Category Two: Indie Chillout and Let Go of the Toxicity

Similar to the songs above, these songs have hypnotic beats, but they are slightly more upbeat and happy. These are definitely my daily go-to's when trying to listen the stress away. Also, when in doubt, listen to Goth Babe. That is all.

1. "Sometimes" by Goth Babe
2. "Moments / Tides" by Goth Babe
3. "We Stayed Up All Night" by Tourist & Ardyn
4. "Real Love Baby" by Father John Misty
5. "Saltwater" by Geowulf

Category Three: Emo Rap to Help You Release Out Your EMO-tions

This is one of my favorite categories. I have always been an emo rap fan at heart - probably because I was raised listening to Blink 182 and Sum 41. There is something really special about these songs in that they give you a good rhythm to work through your emotions. If you're stressed and need to go for a walk/do some HIIT/go cycling/etc., these songs will help sweat out the stress.

1. "Holding On" by iann dior
2. "acting like that" by YUNGBLUD & Machine Gun Kelly
3. "Fall Away" by Lund
4. "Ex Calling" by 6LACK
5. "The Way Life Goes" by Lil Uzi Vert & Oh Wonder

Category Four: Rock Out and Knock Out the Haters (i.e. your inner angst & anxiety)

Now, it's time for the classics. As mentioned above, I have been a forever fan of Blink 182, so I would be remiss to leave them out. The best way to push out Anx & Ang is to rock & roll them right out of your world.

1. "Adam's Song" by Blink-182
2. "Scar Tissue" by Red Hot Chili Peppers
3. "Hunger Strike" by Temple Of The Dog
4. "I Am the Highway" by Audioslave
5. "Dammit" by Blink-182

Category Five: Me, Myself, and EDM

Last, but not least, there are certain EDM songs that can help lift you up and allow you to levitate above your daily stressors. It may be argued that some of these are not technically EDM, but as the playlist maker, I am deciding that they are today. Regardless, they all feature the same colorful, soft, and melodic beats that will help ease any tension.

1. "Sunset Lover" by Petit Biscuit
2. "Across the Room: by ODESZA & Leon Bridges
3. "Throwaway" by SG Lewis & Clairo
4. "Toluca Lake" by Tep No & Imad
5. "VCR" by the xx
6. "Doses & Mimosas" by Cherub (adding one more, because how could I not end with this one???)

Music is something you can always turn to when handling any emotion (sadness, happiness, anxiousness, etc.), so it is definitely a good idea to turn on a good track whenever you're feeling a little overwhelmed. We all deal with angst--this is not an emotion that is unique to teenagers. It is a common part of life and developing healthy habits to cope with it is the first step forward. Hope this music helps you take that leap.