In the face of the coronavirus epidemic, millions of Americans are adjusting to a new normal. Our homes have become our offices, our co-workers are spoken to via Slack or phone conferences. As a New Yorker, I’m currently navigating how to turn my apartment into a workspace that’s big enough for me, my wife, and a Persian cat that has never had more attention paid to her. As a producer at Cheddar, I’m incredibly lucky to be working at a company where working from home is an option.
That said, it’s an adjustment. Here are the songs that are getting me through it. I hope they can do the same for you.
Supalonely (ft. Gus Dapperton) - Stella & Steve
It’s morning. Your alarm has gone off and it’s a short walk from your bed to your kitchen table which probably serves as your workspace now. The news on Twitter is bad. You’re suddenly remembering all the times you canceled plans and are overcome with regret. Stella and Steve’s ‘Supalonely’ has already inspired a TikTok challenge and been used in over 4 million videos. Sure, it’s about the crushing feelings of loneliness, but you can dance to it!
Now I’m In It - Haim
So you can’t go to the gym. Or Barry’s Bootcamp. Or Mile High Run Club. Luckily this Los Angeles-based sister act just released ‘Now I’m In It.’ Blast this one when you’re doing crunches in your bedroom or going for a run (while maintaining social distance!).
Don’t Stand So Close to Me - The Police
We’re not really supposed to leave our homes. Whoever you live with is suddenly serving as your social circle, your therapist and tension is running high. Turn this up when you need to give your roommate/significant other/family member a heads up that you need a little space.
Alone - Heart
It’s getting late. You’re a little bored. You’re feeling a little isolated. Turn up Heart’s 1987 hit and fully embrace the feels. Just don’t text your ex. (Seriously.)
Everything Has Changed - Best Coast
I know, the title is a little too on the nose, but hear me out. Bethany Cosentino wrote this one after suffering from depression and a severe case of writer’s block. Let her ode to self-care and improvement serve as a little inspiration on the harder days.
Dancing on My Own - Robyn
Everyone has their own feelings about Lena Dunham’s HBO series Girls but we should all be grateful that the series helped push the Swedish pop star’s single into the mainstream. Turn up the ultimate millennial kiss-off song when you’re closing your laptop and cracking open a bottle of wine.
Dance Yrself Clean - LCD Soundsystem
Public health officials say the best way to stop the spread of the coronavirus is by simply washing our hands! What better way to remember to wash your hands for a full 20 seconds than by blasting LCD Soundsystem’s nearly 9-minute 2010 single? Dancing is optional, but good hygiene is a must.
With a Little Help from My Friends - The Beatles
Many Americans are still lucky enough to have their health but loneliness and its impact on our mental health are still very real issues that we have to grapple with. We are lucky enough to live in a time where technology has made it easy for us to contact the people we love. Play this one while you’re scheduling a Google Hangout or FaceTime session. In fact, play just about every Beatles song! (But maybe skip ‘I Want to Hold Your Hand.’)
Don’t Let It Get to You (Reprise) - Rostam
Anyone reading this doesn’t need me to tell them that global pandemics are stressful. We’re all adjusting to a new normal. Luckily, experts say we can go for walks. They’re even encouraging it! Let the final track on Rostam’s 2017 debut album be the soundtrack to your next stroll around the block.
Work from Home - Fifth Harmony
Come on. You had to see this one coming.
