What makes up the soundtrack to your life?

Have you ever noticed how movies and television shows use music to set the mood?

There is a reason sports arenas blast rock music and the spa plays plinky-plunky quiet music. Are you using music to set your mood?

Think about it. Are you listening to codependent “love” songs or something with a driving beat to start your day? Are you stressing to the sounds of the radio news in the car or singing along to something you enjoy? Do you end the day with the television, or with calming music?

Creating a soundtrack to your life can lift your mood, reduce your stress, and help you sleep.

Pump-It-Up: As you begin your day, or before that big meeting, listen to a song that makes you move. Dancing, even just bouncing a little in your chair, energizes your body, gets your blood pumping, and increases your alertness.
Here are some of my favorites:

• In Between Days by Ben Folds
• Pump It by Black Eyed Peas
• Mary’s Place by Bruce Sprinsteen
• I Want You to Want Me by Cheep Trick
• Veronica by Elvis Costello
• A Little Less Conversation by Elvis Presley
• Running On Empty by Jackson Browne
• Next Right Step by Jana Stanfield
• Black Horse and the Cherry Tree by KT Tunstall
• We Will Rock You by Queen
• Many the Miles by Sara Bareilles
• Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa by Vampire Weekend

Which songs get you pumped up?

Sing-A-Long: Really, singing is great for the drive to work and allows you to breathe deep. When your brain gets more oxygen your mental agility and memory improves. Deep breathing is also a great way to reduce stress.

I like to sing along to:

• Walking On Broken Glass by Annie Lennox
• I Say a Little Prayer by Aretha Franklin
• Almost by Bowling for Soup
• Lion’s Den by Bruce Springsteen
• Dreams by The Cranberries
• Cowboy Take Me Away by Dixie Chicks
• Rich Girl by Gwen Stafani
• Doctor My Eyes by Jackson Browne
• Sing, Love, Dance by Jana Stanfield
• Love and Luck by Jimmy Buffett
• Suddenly I See by KT Tunstall
• Sweet Caroline by Neil Diamond

Which songs make you sing along?

Chill-It-Out: In the evening, or when you are stressed, quiet, inspirational music can change your mood and calm your nerves. The “yes you can” message is encouraging and sitting still to listen will settle your body and your mind.

Some of my favorites:

• Diamond Road by Sheryl Crowe
• Gracie by Ben Folds
• The Time of My Life by David Cook
• Thank You by Dido
• Lullaby by Dixie Chicks
• Peace and Love by Fountains of Wayne
• If I Were Brave by Jana Stanfield
• Someday by Jimmy Buffett
• Say by John Mayer
• Nightswimming by R.E.M.

Which songs help you chill?

I’d like to develop a list of song suggestions — please help by making a comment below with your suggestions for Pump It Up, Sing-A-Long and Chill-It-Out songs. Thanks!

Eliz Greene is the Busy Woman’s Guide to a Health. Drawing on her experience surviving a massive heart attack while seven-months pregnant with twins, struggling to lose the 80 pounds gained during her pregnancy, and her background as an adaptive movement specialist, Eliz developed simple strategies and tips to help other busy women be more active, eat better and manage your stress.

As the Director of the Embrace Your Heart Wellness Initiative, Eliz travels the country energizing and inspiring audiences in keynotes and workshops on women’s heart health. She writes one of the top 100 health and wellness blogs. Find more at www.EmbraceYourHeart.com.