Five uplifting songs for your next social-distancing drive

With most restaurants, movie theaters, water parks and most every other entertainment option closed due to the coronavirus epidemic, options for safely getting out of the house and getting some sun are dwindled quite a bit. One option that is available to folks here in Northwest Arkansas is to take a long, relaxing drive in the country. As long as you don’t get out of the car and congregate with others, a drive is a great way to get out of your house with the family and help clear your head so you can stay a productive, happy person who your family and your community can rely on to see us through this confusing time.

While a drive is a great way to blow off some stress, you can really up the stress-busting with a playlist of great, positive songs. Singing along to an upbeat song is a proven way to help bring down your stress levels, which can, in turn, help boost your immune system and help fend off all kinds of health issues including elevated blood pressure and strokes. Seen below, check out McLarty Daniel Ford’s suggestions for stress-fighting songs for your next drive. Try some of these and see if you don’t come home feeling better, more relaxed, and less stressed. McLarty Daniel Ford of Bentonville is here for you, and has instituted new shopping, buying and vehicle service protocols to help keep our customers safe and the local economy rolling along. If you need a new or used car, call us today, or check out our huge selection online right now.

“Three Little Birds”
by Bob Marley and the Wailers
The simple fact of the matter is that almost nobody can lift you up like Bob Marley when you’re feeling down. “Three Little Birds,” a tune off Bob Marley and the Wailers’ 1977 album “Exodus” is a classic feel-good fave, with a lilting reggae rhythm and a refrain built around Marley singing “every little thing is gonna be alright.” That message of being calm and faithful that things will work out permeates the song all the way through, and makes it the perfect antidote for stressful times.

“The Four Seasons: Spring”
by Antonio Vivaldi
We know, we know. Classical music might not be your thing, but studies have shown that listening to classical music beats stress in a way that other genres just can’t. If you’d like to put that to the test, Vivaldi’s “The Four Seasons” is a great place to start. First written in 1716-17, the four-interconnected pieces are a masterpiece, with “Spring” being the most well-known and uplifting. Give it a try on your next drive.

“Can’t Stop the Feeling!”
by Justin Timberlake
Few people have had a better second-act career than Justin Timberlake, who got his start in the boy band NSYNC before striking out on his own and becoming an even bigger star, including appearances in feature films. “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” which was included on the soundtrack for the 2016 animated film “Trolls,” is one of Timberlake’s biggest hits, debuting at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and taking home a Grammy Award. It’s still a rocket boost when you’re feeling down.

“Beautiful Day”
by U2
Though the Irish supergroup U2 is better known for moody, emotional songs like “With or Without You” and “Sunday Bloody Sunday,” “Beautiful Day,” off their tenth album “All That You Can’t Leave Behind” from 2000, has become a fan favorite for its big sound and uplifting lyrics. It’s still a great one to play if you’re feeling down.

“It’s A Great Day To Be Alive”
by Travis Tritt
Though this toe-tapper was originally recorded by both The Sky Kings and Nashville artist John Randall, the most famous version was the one released in 2000 by Travis Tritt on his album “From Out of the Blue.” It reached number two on the Billboard Hot Country charts, and can still lift your spirits out of the basement when in need.