Teaching is a stressful job, especially when it comes to managing difficult classes, balancing a multitude of tasks and coping with rapid policy changes. Then there are lesson observations to keep you awake at night, as well as the feeling that work is never-ending. So, when pressure piles up what are your go-to songs to let off some steam?
To mark National Stress Awareness Day, we asked our Twitter followers to tell us their favourite songs for de-stressing. We’ve got submissions ranging from indie to rock and roll, and we’d love to hear more of your suggestions. Share them in the comments, or by tweeting us via @GuardianTeach. Don’t forget to use the hashtag #NationalStressAwarenessDay.
1. Elbow – Mirrorball
From alternative English rock band Elbow, this is a slow acoustic guitar and piano song which cannot help but quieten any feelings of stress. The tune’s got a dreamlike quality with soft vocals and reflective lyrics – perfect when accompanied by a tea (or cold beer) after a long day.
@GuardianTeach Elbow - Mirrorball #NationalStressAwarenessDay #completerelaxation
— Phil McDonald (@pmcds) November 5, 2014
2. The Beatles – Let it Be
The Beatles are great for feel-good music and it comes no better than Let it Be. The opening lines sum up the song’s calming vibe: “When I find myself in times of trouble mother Mary comes to me, speaking words of wisdom: let it be.” There are many Beatles classics we could add to this, such as Hey Jude or for something a bit more up beat you could opt for She Loves You.
@GuardianTeach @moiraeve1 @kate_hodge @lisaspiller Let it Be by The Beatles
— Maestra Rodriguez (@MaestraR) November 5, 2014
3. Jurassic 5 – Concrete Schoolyard
Try to refuse a smile to this track with its head-bopping beats. Jurassic 5 are an American 90s hip hop group and this is one of their most well known songs. It’s a laid back easy to listen to tune with a different feel to our other recommendations. However, @kenradical who suggested this one does point out that it is school themed which may not help if you are hoping to escape.
@GuardianTeach Jurassic 5 - Concrete Schoolyard - although it is school themed.
— Richard (@kenradical) November 5, 2014
4. Transvision Vamp – Baby I Don’t Care
This British alternative rock group were around in the 1980s and have produced some absolute classics. Most known is Baby I Don’t Care and as the song title suggests if you’re in need of a bit of cathartic release after a particularly challenging day it might be worth dancing about to this.
. “@GuardianTeach: Transvision Vamp "Baby I Don't Care" #destress - making a teacher playlist #stress #NationalStressAwarenessDay”
— Marie Jones (@MarieB_Music) November 5, 2014
5. Survivor – Eye of the tiger
This song will forever be associated with the fictional boxer Rocky Balboa charging up a set of stairs as he trained, and it’s got to be one of the biggest and best motivational tunes ever written. If you’ve got loads of work to do and need a reminder that you have “the eye of the tiger, rising up to the challenge of a lifetime” then whack this on to give yourself a boost.
@GuardianTeach Survivor - Eye of the tiger. #NationalStressAwarenessDay
— Primary ICT & Media (@PrimaryIctMedia) November 5, 2014
6. Norah Jones – Come Away With Me
The dulcet tones of American singer-songwriter Norah Jones cannot but still you into a de-stressed state. This is one of her most famous songs and as soon as you hear her utter the words “Come away with me” suddenly images of being far away spring to mind.
@GuardianTeach it's got to be a bit of Norah Jones :)
— Kathryn Tremlett (@Kat_Tremlett) November 5, 2014
7. Yoga Music – meditation music
If you want to practice some mindfulness techniques or are looking to wind down from a long day with some yoga stretching then this is the perfect soundtrack for you. You can pop it on while chilling out with a tea and treats, or pop it on before bed. Namaste.
National Stress Awareness Day. Give students a taste of meditation @GuardianTeach http://t.co/9cEuW1PgpV
— Jean Russell (@JeanRussell100) November 5, 2014
8. George Ezra – Listen to the Man
A great suggestion from our very own @sloumarsh. With his deep voice and melodic beats you cannot help but move your body to the songs of George Ezra and this is a particularly good song to wake up to. If you’re not looking forward to the day then tune into this over breakfast, and as an added benefit it also has a particularly great video featuring the one and only Ian McKellen.
My recommendation is George Ezra – Listen to the Man @GuardianTeach
— Sarah Marsh (@sloumarsh) November 5, 2014
9. Aretha Franklin – Respect
This is one for singing in front a mirror with a hairbrush, and if you are feeling particularly undervalued shout it from the rooftops.
@GuardianTeach respect. Aretha.
— Nancy (@nancygedge) November 5, 2014
10. Frozen – Let it Go
And a final entry from the GTN team from Disney’s 2013 animated film Frozen, this song’s message says let it go. It was composed by husband-and-wife songwriting team Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez and a pop version has also been performed by Demi Lovato. If you want to sing along then check out the Disney sing a long version.
@GuardianTeach Hmmmm songs to de-stress...definitely Let It Go from Disney's #Frozen! And Waves by @MrProbz
— Matthew Jenkin (@matthewjenkin) November 5, 2014
Have we missed your favourite de-stressing tune? Tell us about it in the comments, and add a link to where we can find it.
