List of songs Gen Zs listen to for relaxation

RELAXATION plays an important role in one’s self-care. While it does not completely solve problems or end anxious thoughts, relaxing helps them recharge and refocus.

There are various ways to relax without traveling far or spending a lot of money. One can relax by getting enough sleep, watching their favorite series or films, journaling, reading books, and spending time with loved ones.

Some just put on their earphones and listen to chill music on their playlist. 

Music can improve one’s mental health. According to a WebMD article, listening to music helps individuals rest well, lift their mood, and reduce stress. It noted that such an activity can decrease blood pressure, lower stress hormone levels, and reduce heart rate.

So, republicasia asked several Gen Zs about what songs they usually listen to when de-stressing, and here are their recommendations:

‘Take A Chance With Me’ by NIKI

Oh, why can’t we for once

Say what we want, say what we feel?

Oh, why can’t you for once

Disregard the world and run to what you know is real?

“Take A Chance With Me” is a 2021 song released by Indonesian singer-songwriter NIKI, where she expresses her desire for someone to take a risk in love. It is part of NIKI’s second studio album titled “Nicole.”

Kathleen Joyce Eslao shared that she felt butterflies in her stomach whenever she listened to it. “I just love how ‘Take A Chance With Me’ makes me feel kilig instantly,” she said.

‘Sagada’ by Cup of Joe

Sagada, kung sa’n lahat ay isinigaw

Sa langit na ikaw ay muling matanaw

Sagada, ang tagpuan kung sa’n itinakdang

Magwakas ang kuwento ng ako at ikaw

Ikaw ang natitirang takbuhan

Ng pusong ligaw at giniginaw

Sagada has become a popular tourist destination in the Philippines, particularly for individuals who no longer want to bottle up their feelings and scream their pain away. Likewise, Baguio-based band Cup of Joe offers their hit song “Sagada” to those who need a shoulder to cry on.

For Eslao, the 2020 single gave her solace and hope that “everything will eventually come into place.”

‘Cheers to youth’ by SEVENTEEN

It just so happens that it’s our first time living today

And though their hurtful words make us hate ourselves more

Let’s try not to care

We can sing anywhere with our voices 

Cheers to youth

K-pop boy group SEVENTEEN is known for its heartfelt and relatable songs, and among them is “Cheers to youth,” performed by the group’s vocal unit composed of Woozi, Jeonghan, Joshua, Dokyeom, and Seungkwan. 

Through “Cheers to youth,” the K-pop idols encourage their fans—collectively known as CARATs—to press forward, despite the challenges they face in this demanding and suffocating world.

Raphaelle Angeline Rodriguez, an 18-year-old communication research student, said that the 2024 song brought her calmness and healed an “unknown wound” in her.

Broadcasting student Alexis Fei Caceres, 20, also found the song fresh and upbeat, which makes her worry less. “Whenever I have a hard time or feel anxious and stressed, I just listen to the song as a reminder that my day might not be easy, but it’s still not bad,” she said.

‘Snooze’ by Any Name’s Okay

I got a feeling that it’s never gonna calm down

Will it calm down?

Time has a funny way of telling me that

Things won’t come around

“Snooze” is another song that tugged at listeners’ heartstrings, particularly young adults. It is part of Filipino pop rock band Any Name’s Okay’s “Leaving Home” extended play (EP), which tackles feelings of fear and joy as a person navigates adulthood.

“Snooze naman, it’s the song na gusto kong pakinggan whenever I feel stressed and the song itself has a special place in my heart,” said Rodriguez.

‘Still’ by Jeff Bernat

I’ve been tryna find a way to numb all this pain

Since you’ve been away

I don’t wanna feel anymore

And there’s probably people telling you that I’m doing fine

Just taking my time

Although it appears that I’m strong

It still hurts

Released in 2019, “Still” is a song that resonates with people who have not moved on from a past relationship. While this is a heartbreaking anthem to many, Christine Belenson, 21, said “Still” helps her relax her mind because of its mellow tempo.

“I’m the kind of listener po kasi na ang focus ko sa isang kanta is yung rendition and yung groove. Kahit na pang-broken[hearted] siya, I find it so calming, para niya akong hinehele pero masakit ang lyrics,” she explained. “The way Jeff Bernat sang his songs, especially ‘Still,’ gives me chills and relaxation.”

‘Here’s to Never Growing Up’ by Avril Lavigne

Singing Radiohead at the top of our lungs

With the boom box blaring as we’re falling in love

Got a bottle of whatever, but it’s getting us drunk

Singing, here’s to never growing up

“Here’s to Never Growing Up” is another song that celebrates the beauty of youth. The 2013 pop-rock song reminds listeners to enjoy their youth and live in the moment.

The song’s teenage angst captured the heart of 20-year-old broadcasting student Giezel Faith Pascua. For her, “Here’s to Never Growing Up” made her feel like the main character in a chick-flick film.

“I like to listen to 2000s music, especially the ones that make me feel like I’m doing a montage from a chick-flick movie,” she said.

‘Complicated” by Avril Lavigne

Why do you have to go and make things so complicated?

I see the way you’re acting like you’re somebody else

Gets me frustrated

Life’s like this, you

You fall, and you crawl, and you break

And you take what you get, and you turn it into

Honesty and promise me I’m never gonna find you fake it

Pascua also recommended “Complicated,” another pop-rock song of Lavigne that revolves around the realities of life beyond the image one displays to others. 

“This song makes me feel hot and pretty and I think other people—especially the girls, gays, and they—would also appreciate this genre,” she said. “It makes me feel comfortable and understood that I’m not the only girl [who] is overwhelmed with society’s standards about a girl.”

‘Doughnut’ by TWICE

A soft and sweet sensation

So fluffly

My heart has a hole in the shape of you

Just like a doughnut

I’ve wondered into a love loop

No beginning or end

Our love loop

Other listeners may view “Doughnut” as a bittersweet song that exudes the feeling of longing for love. But for Art Justin Penullar, the song’s “sweet and calm” melody helps him cool down.

“I do think that [the] soothing rhythm and gentle vocals of the girls create a peaceful atmosphere that always puts me at ease,” Penullar stressed.

“Doughnut” is also a perfect song to listen to as “Ber” months begin. “Listening to it feels like you’re sitting on a balcony, feeling the cold December breeze while sipping hot chocolate,” the student said.

‘Kundiman 1800 ( Love Song circa 1800)’ by Angelo Favis

Abegail Tongson shared that she listened to instrumental tracks, particularly classical and Kundiman songs, whenever she wanted to relax. She recommended listening to “Kundiman 1800 ( Love Song circa 1800),” an instrumental guitar track that helped her clear her mind and refocus on her tasks.

“Yung classical music kasi pwede mo siya i-play while gumagawa ng mga other things, like schoolworks or kapag need mo mag-focus,” said the 20-year-old broadcasting student. “Go-to ko siyang music lalo na kapag maingay sa labas, [tapos] need ko ng music na makakapag-concentrate ako.”

‘Minsan’ by Munimuni

Ngunit ngayon kay bilis maglaho ng kahapon (ngunit ngayon oh)

Sana’y ‘wag kalimutan ang ating mga pinagsamahan

At kung sakaling gipitin ay laging iisipin

Na minsan tayo ay naging

Tunay na magkaibigan

Listening to relaxing music also brings back beautiful memories to 20-year-old college student Cedrix Leppago. One of the songs that gives him a nostalgic feeling is “Minsan” by Filipino indie folk band Munimuni, which unearths the good memories a person created with their old friends. 

The 2019 song also showcases the value of true friendships, even if they do not often see each other like before.

“Chill lang yung vibes ng song,” the broadcasting student said. “Tapos yung message niya kasi is about reminiscing the good old times, kaya tuwing pinapakinggan ko siya, gumagaan pakiramdam ko.”

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