It isn’t a surprise that PCS season is a stressful time for military families. While the stress increases and the ability to take personal time or breaks dwindles, it’s time to take the stress breaks how you can get them. One of those ways is through music. According to medical studies, music has the added benefit of lowering stress. So, while you are unpacking your boxes, and suitcases and rearranging your lives, blast these songs and sing aloud.
Bridgerton Soundtrack – Now don’t start watching the show because that will easily become a distraction, but the music is pleasant. The genre is classical meaning you won’t be singing out, but you will be able to hear children or the other adult in the house while unpacking if they found the coveted towels. Don’t forget to check out the Bridgerton covers – these are classic renditions of popular songs, and you might just be surprised by how much that song you didn’t enjoy previously sounds so much better.
Hawaiian Tunes – Who wouldn’t rather be on vacation in Hawaii on the beach with a sea breeze blowing through your hair. Choosing the sound of waves over the sound of tape coming off boxes may not be an option if you are unpacking from a PCS, but you sure as heck can pretend by listening to some island melodies.
Calypso – Well, if you can’t be on a tropical island, perhaps you can pretend you are on a cruise. All those boxes you are unpacking are souvenirs from your suitcase…okay, maybe not 100 times over, but this music is sure to boost your mood while unpacking. Feel free to dance along while you wrap and pack or label all the boxes.
Top Gun Soundtrack – The original, cannot comment on the new movie or if there will be one. The mix of ballads and power songs will boost morale, and, depending on your age, will bring up fun memories. Just remember not to play volleyball with the box of kitchenware – that’s breakable.
80s Rock – Even if you aren’t an 80s kid, chances are you have heard at least a few of these songs. They are great songs to belt out stress to. With classics like Journey’s Don’t Stop Believin’, Queen’s Another One Bites the Dust (hopefully that isn’t a comment on your kitchen glassware) and Guns N’ Roses Sweet Child O’ Mine, you can’t go wrong.
Power Ballads – When you get to the end of packing hours or just need the motivation to get started, it’s time for some power ballads. Hootie and the Blowfish’s Let Her Cry, Bryan Adams’ (Everything I Do) I Do It For You, and Meatloaf’s I Would Do Anything for Love may feel pretty real as you unpack your home for the first or fourteenth time because the military gave your family order. Feel free to grab a spoon or hairbrush and sing along.
Your Favorite Movie Soundtrack – Maybe Top Gun isn’t your thing. Maybe you prefer the music of the swashbuckling genre, wizarding type, or more of the animated type that will make you giggle through the boxes. Choose your favorite movie, and it is sure to make at least 30 minutes of unpacking go smoothly and boost your mood as you decide where those books will go.
Your Favorite TV Show Soundtrack – Now, most shows don’t necessarily have a soundtrack, but some do. And if you enjoy British television, then check out their soundtracks. Often, the melodious tunes are played by an orchestra, adding an element of elegance to their songs. Shows like Downton Abbey, The Crown, Mad Men, Poldark, and Doctor Who have excellent soundtracks.
Somewhere Over the Rainbow – The ultimate, it will get better son is an excellent song by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole. It is relaxing and happy. Kermit the Frog also makes an excellent version, and if you want to listen to renditions of this song all day, we won’t blame you.
Organizing, packing up, and labeling your belongings is a busy and stressful time, but that doesn’t mean you can’t add a little enjoyment to it with an amazing playlist.
