“We have had enough, once and for all, of Hedonism—the gloomy philosophy which says that Pleasure is the only good.” ~ C.S. Lewis

I’ve long agreed with the idea that it’s okay (helpful, even) to feel the sadness of life, but to not let it take over your life.

The thing is, some of us get stuck in it from time to time.

So, when the general blahs don’t seem to want to go away, there are a few things we can do to support ourselves.

The first is to just recognize where we’re at. It might take us a bit to realize we’re even in a funk, let alone for longer than is normal. This happens especially when we get busy living life like it’s a to-do list.

The second is to engage in some remedies that can be “medicine” for these low periods: like baking banana bread, caring for our indoor plants, or cleaning up our home. Making a favorite snack, sending a love note to a best friend, getting out in nature—all helpful.

And, of course, there’s almost always music, which is a tried-and-true mood-booster for many of us. And nothing can pull us out of the gloomies more than when someone makes a really good cover of an already good song.

Here are a few faves:

1. Outcast’s “Hey Ya” covered by Obadiah Parker:

2. Harry Chapin’s “Cat’s in the Cradle” covered by Mike Massé and Jeff Hall:

3. Coldplay’s “The Scientist” covered by Willie Nelson:

4. Elton John’s “Your Song” covered by Chase & Seirra Eagleson:

5. Dolly Parton’s “Jolene” covered by Miley Cyrus:

6. Queen’s “We Will Rock You” covered by In This Moment with Lzzy Hale and Taylor Momsen:

7. Eurythmics’ “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)” covered by Weezer:

8. Tom Petty’s “Free Fallin’” covered by John Mayer:

Share your favorite covers in the comments!