Empowering songs to pump you up after a break-up (or anytime)

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#Relationships#exercise#music
What's on your self-esteem pump-up playlist?
What’s on your self-esteem pump-up playlist?
I recently ended a relationship that had become toxic to my overall self-esteem and confidence. I have developed a wonderful coping method to help get me through the aftermath, and I wanted to share: I am running while listening to self-affirming music.

I would love if readers could share their favourite empowering running music.
Thanks!
— Marsupup

First: I’m so happy to hear that you’re no longer in a toxic relationship. And running to empowering music sounds like a great coping method, indeed! Even if you’re not using it to run, empowering, upbeat music could help get you through something like a breakup (or a job rejection, or almost any disappointment where your self-esteem takes a hit) and remember how awesome you are. This kind of music is more about loving yourself, surviving, independence, or feeling powerful, and less about hating an ex. I’m going to share some up-tempo, self-empowering songs, then I’ll open it up to the Homies and see what they suggest.

I tried to keep these songs upbeat for working out and diverse in genre, and I included some of my “guilty pleasures” for y’all. (I actually don’t believe in being “guilty” about liking any music, so don’t be shy with your suggestions!) It just happened that the list is all women artists, but feel free to throw in whatever pumps you up!





Spice Girls? The Supremes? Share your pump-up, self-affirming tracks!

About the Author: Caroline

@drechyng @carolinediezyn

Caroline was the Offbeat Empire copyeditor from 2011-2015. Caroline is a Canadian genderweird witch and literature PhD student living and working in Toronto. They love art and powerlifting, and they spend their free time with their black cat and familiar, Zee.

Comments on Empowering songs to pump you up after a break-up (or anytime)

  1. I totally have a mix like that I dubbed my “badass chick mix”. Pretty much all of the songs have already been mentioned except for my current badass chick favorite: the Yeah Yeah Yeahs – Zero. The lyrics aren’t specifically about empowerment but listening to it pumps me up.

  2. Boss – I Don’t Give A Fuck
    Steamboat Cabaret – Onwards Upwards
    Florence + The Machine – Dog Days Are Over
    Woodkid – Iron
    Jamie N Commons & X Ambassadors – Jungle
    Doc Watson – Sittin’ On Top of the World
    Two Door- Something Good Can Work (RAC Remix)
    Basement Jaxx – Good Luck

  3. First and foremost on my “2 Fingers” playlist (if you’re not from the UK, it’s kind of like labeling it middle fingered…)
    In addition to a number of previously mentioned suggestions:

    Joan Jett: Bad Reputation
    Cake’s cover of I Will Survive
    Shane McGowan: Donegal Express
    Aerosmith: Walk This Way
    Queen: Another One Bites the Dust
    Clash: London Calling
    Foo Fighters: Learn to Fly

    But I definitely used music to keep me sane after ending a toxic relationship- glad you managed it, and everyone here is sending you warm fuzzies!

  4. I LOVE it when we talk music! Everyone’s suggestions have made me want to listen to music all night instead of sleep!

    Girly pop music like Pink, Ke$ha (does she still do the dollar sign thing?), Gaga. etc. is great for dancing and getting pumped up and feeling confident. If you’re in a more rock mood, I recommend the band Halestorm. Lzzy Hale writes a lot of really empowering stuff with a fun rock/metal edge.

    Can’t wait to read more of you guys’ favorite running/pump up songs!

  5. I got really excited by all of the new awesome music, so I went through the comments and put every song into a Spotify playlist. I thought I’d share if anyone else is interested:

    http://open.spotify.com/user/ancientrena/playlist/1hmY4Prd104L47b4E1RRNl

    We came up with 174 songs and 11h 7min of music! It’s completely unedited, and there are a few songs missing because the artists don’t like Spotify (mostly Beyonce and some of the older classics).

  6. My playlist for a breakup is pretty similar to my getting ready for a night out playlist, read into that what you will! 🙂
    The Raccoons theme song – Run With Us (reminds me of my great friends)
    The Donnas – Dirty Denim
    Jurassic 5 – I Am Somebody
    Billy Idol – Rebel Yell
    Danko Jones – Sticky Situation
    The Rezillos – Somebodys Gonna Get Their Head Kicked In
    I used to listen to Pink a lot when I last had a breakup, she’s just great for picking up the mood a little.

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