Whether it’s the winter blues, the stress of finals or the upcoming holiday shopping requirements that have you down, this time of year can be a lot to handle for everyone. It’s these stressful situations that can necessitate a good playlist. While music might not cure everything, a relaxing soundtrack to your life definitely can’t hurt. Here are Pipe Dream’s recommendations for where to tune in, so you can tune everything else out.

1. “Better Together” — Jack Johnson
If guitar strumming is what soothes your soul, then Jack Johnson has to be the first person you look to. This song is like a good friend that you can keep inside your pocket — there to cheer you up, but not overwhelm you.

2. “Once Upon a Dream” — Emile Pandolfi
So maybe piano is more on-key for you, in which case we recommend the stylings of pop pianist Emile Pandolfi. This rendition of the classic from Disney’s “Sleeping Beauty” is pure joy and love wrapped into 3 minutes and 55 seconds. Stick with Emile if you want more Disney covers, like the theme from “Beauty and the Beast” and “The Little Mermaid” song “Part of Your World.”

3. “Somewhere Over the Rainbow / What a Wonderful World” — Israel Kamakawiwoʻole
So you’re not currently on a beach in Hawaii, but that doesn’t mean you can’t try to feel like you are. If you listen to this song and close your eyes, you can almost feel the cold drink in your hand as a soft ukulele strums in the background. This song is a mash-up, so wait until the end of the song for an emotional reminder of all of the beautiful aspects of life.

4. “Red Red Wine” — UB40
When you need a reminder that the weekend is coming up, just play this song that is literally about alcohol. But aside from its subject matter, it’s somewhat slow, but still uplifting enough to give you hope that the weekend is only a few days away.

5. “New Soul” — Yael Naim
Maybe you remember this song from when it was on an Apple commercial, or maybe you don’t, but either way it’s a perfect way to end this playlist. It has an upbeat nature that’s a perfect ending to this chill-out playlist. If you’re taking a break from work and are dreading getting up, then listen to this before snapping back into attention and restarting your day.

Check us out on Spotify for a full playlist and more.