Playlist

One of the methods my psychologist gave me to help deal with my anxiety attacks is to create a playlist of the music that most helps me relax; and just to focus on the music and breathe.

So, here's a bit about what (or rather who) is on my playlist:

1. David Harris:
David was the first person I added. My 3rd (and favourite) Fiyero, and favourite (male) musical theatre performer. And also the nicest person I've ever met. If you've ever read my other blog, you'll know the name from all my musical theatre talk!
When I need to relax, he's my go-to guy. He just has such a calming voice, and the music on his albums is so relaxing and soft. It's perfect to focus on and just remind myself to breathe. I'm pretty sure I could listen to him sing the phone book and I'd love it.
And what better song to demonstrate than his duet of As Long as You're Mine with Jemma Rix from his second album, At This Stage? (Who, by the way, is another one of my favourite voices to listen to of all time. She really needs an album.)

2. Delta Goodrem
Like there was any way Delta was not being a playlist. I've been a fan for half my life (literally. I'm 24, I was 12 when I became a fan), and half the reason I fell in love with her music is because it's connects with me emotionally and helps me to relax.
So much of Delta's music has memories and feelings attached to it for me, and often the distraction is what helps when I'm trying to calm myself.
I could have picked so many songs here, but I figured her first single, Born to Try, where it all began for me was the best choice. Still gives me goosebumps.

3. Idina Menzel
Idina is just... queen. What more can I say? I'm fairly obsessed with the If/Then soundtrack at the moment, which could probably be a whole other blog entry on its own. (In short, I believe in fate and that everything happens for a reason... you kind of have to when so much crap happens to you. You have to believe there's a reason and things will get better. Man, it's no wonder I have anxiety. And it's only natural to wonder what might have been).
I chose her rendition of 'Tomorrow' from Annie for this, because it's a beautiful arrangement and its one of the songs that reminds me to hope when I need it most.

4. Disney
I have a lot of Disney music on this playlist... or just in general really. What better to relax you than the music that defined your childhood and represents nostalgia and really... emotional security? Anything by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken is a natural choice, but The Lion King soundtrack is also a must. Since seeing the musical, this is another song I'm playing a lot right now.

5. My Top Broadway songs ever. 
Enough said really. Of course, 'Defying Gravity' is on the list, as is 'This is the Moment'. If you want to see my top 20 Broadway songs, the list is here.

There's the odd other song on the playlist, but these are the big ones. If anyone has any other recommendations of relaxing music, let me know! I'm always open for new music!