9 Songs to Get You Through Rough Days With Chronic Illness

While this may seem like a given considering POTS patients are fighting for most everything every day, even walking, this song is no doubt what I put on during a bad day. The inspiring lyrics and upbeat melody can make any gloomy day have a small ray of sunshine. I feel this song is the quintessential song for any chronic illness as we are all fighting for something every day. Platten perfectly describes how not to give up. Bonus points if you listen to this while working out!

2. “Walkashame” — Meghan Trainor

I believe Trainor captures the essence of what every POTS patient does daily. We do the “walk of shame” out of bed, into school, up the stairs and around the block — but that does not stop us. “Walkashame” can be an essential song for those rough days when none of your friends are around to vent to, because Meghan Trainor is definitely able to reminisce with you about having rough days.

3. “Confident” — Demi Lovato

If there is one lesson to take away from this song, it is to wear POTS with pride. Yes, we may be on the floor due to unexpected dizziness and syncope, but that should never stop us from owning POTS and being proud of it!

4. “What Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Stronger” — Kelly Clarkson

I feel these seven words should be the mantra of everybody living with a chronic illness. The fight we go through every day is life-changing and character building. On days when we cannot get up off of the couch, us POTS patients can be physically and mentally strong, not to mention the rigorous exercise programs we endure. We have become fighters because of this, and we are some of the strongest people you will ever meet.

5. “Part of Me” — Katy Perry

This song perfectly describes how it is to have something be a part of the whole picture of who you are, but not define you. Yes, some days it feels like all there is to think about is POTS and how challenging it can be to do little tasks. But Perry reminds us that we are all made up of many, many puzzle pieces and no one thing defines us. Now, please don’t get this song confused with John Legend’s “All of Me,” because that is exactly what POTS is not.

6. “Firework” — Katy Perry

Katy Perry strikes again with another incredible song that represents individuality and creativity. I feel having POTS already makes us a firework since we can change the world with our strength and determination to get through the unthinkable. The uplifting lyrics remind us all that we are unique; if everybody had POTS there might be a cure, and if nobody had POTS it would not exist. We are unique because we have something incurable but also very eccentric in the medical field — just like Fourth of July fireworks.

7. “Candyman” — Zedd and Aloe Blacc

I do not have any rhyme or reason to this song being significant to POTS other than the fact it is just a great song. The lyrics are touching and it is a soulful song that is mellow without being depressing. It is one of my favorite slow songs and definitely brings me back to my childhood with its new M&M campaign. Something about candy can make anybody happy on the worst of days.

8. “Gravity” — John Mayer

While it is most certain that gravity does work against us most of the time, Mayer is just overall an incredible artist. Out of all his songs that have a feel good memo associated with them or just a catchy phrase, I think “Gravity” trumps all. With its soulful and smooth lyrics, it has become an iconic song over the past few years.

9. “My House” — Flo Rida

There is just something about this song that is so empowering. The low beat and voices make it the perfect workout song along with having that invincible mentality of “This is my house, I can do it,” while at the gym or doing something difficult. POTS patients do not have it super easy, and this song creates a sense of motivation and drive.

Next time you are having a rough day, or just need a little bit of music escapism, I feel these are the best songs in relation to the daily struggles many of us endure. We may have POTS, but POTS does not have us!

What are some songs that get you through the rough days with chronic illness? Let us know in the comments below!