Self-Care
A fan of music, dance and cats, Tracy E. Hopkins is a lifestyle and culture writer who has contributed to numerous print and digital publications, including Essence, Woman's Day, Prevention, Fodor's and Entertainment Weekly.
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As we move into this season of change and uncertainty, it’s a great time to move our bodies with a spirit of joy and blessed assurance. So, let’s take a deep inhale, followed by a audible exhale. Take a moment to tap into your spirituality and divine power source – you know, that Higher Power who is always right on time and good all the time.
One way to keep the positive vibes flowing is to energize your exercise routine with uplifting music, which can boost your mental health and well-being. During this time of emotional, economic, social and geopolitical highs and lows, our fitness soundtrack of choice is full of groovy gospel music. And Sis, we already know how songs of faith and devotion have helped our people to simultaneously make a way out of no way and to make a joyful noise.
So, get ready to do the grapevine and “Jesus Shuffle” along with this praise-and-worship packed playlist, featuring 21 hand clapping and foot stomping songs. Standouts include: “Looking for You” and “Stomp” by Kirk Franklin; “Shackles (Praise You)” by Mary Mary; “All About You” by Yolanda Adams; “Respect Yourself” by The Staples Singers; “Don’t Judge Me” by Kierra Sheard featuring Missy Elliott; “Blessings On Blessings (The B.O.B Bounce)” by Anthony Brown & group therAPy; and “Thankful” by The Sounds of Blackness.
You can also crank up these calorie crunching jams that deliver the good news while you’re in your car (just keep your praise hands on the wheel) and they can also deliver a good sweat at the gym, while you are taking a brisk outdoor walk, or while you’re tidying up and organizing your home.
By the time you reach the end of this playlist featuring over an hour of feel-good music, you might feel too blessed to be stressed. And if you’re working out to these tracks curated with you in mind, Sis, don’t forget to cool down and stretch to the stirring closing songs, “All I Need (Intro)” by Crystal Aiken and “All About You” by Anita Wilson.
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