I don't know about you, but this semester has been pretty rough for me. I've been knocked down, week after week. But instead of just bingeing on chocolate and watching rom-coms on Netflix and feeling sorry for myself, I've decided to stay positive and kick the semester back. The best way to do that? Turn on a motivational jam, and dance around like no one is watching. Here are five of the best songs for when life knocks you down. Play these and you'll instantly feel better and ready to take on whatever life throws at you!

1. "Unwritten" by Natasha Bedingfield.

Ever since I first heard this song, it has been my anthem. I think it's extremely important to remember in times of stress, that the choices we make today, create our future. The lyrics say it best,

"Drench yourself in words unspoken
Live your life with arms wide open
Today is where your book begins
The rest is still unwritten."

2. "Livin On a Prayer" by Bon Jovi.

This '80s rocker jam is great for pumping you up if you're feeling down. It encourages you to keep pushing through, no matter how bad it may seem, because indeed, we will make it, I swear.

"Woah, we're half way there
Woah, livin' on a prayer
Take my hand, we'll make it I swear
Woah, livin' on a prayer."

3. "Shake It Out" by Florence + The Machine.

This work of art, by a beautiful human specimen known as Florence Welch, reminds us to live our life without regrets. So what if your semester has kicked your a**. Florence tells us its okay to just say what the hell and move on. It always gets better.

"And it's hard to dance with a devil on your back
And given half the chance would I take any of it back
It's a fine romance but it's left me so undone
It's always darkest before the dawn."

4. "Beautiful Day" by U2.

I am the first one to admit that sometimes it's hard to not be negative when it feels like the world is just sitting there laughing while you fail. But negativity gets us nowhere. Sometimes all you need to do is look at the beauty that surrounds you, and you'll instantly feel more motivated to strive through.

"What you don't have you don't need it now
What you don't know you can feel it somehow
What you don't have you don't need it now
Don't need it now
Was a beautiful day."

5. "Man In The Mirror" by Michael Jackson.

While not the most upbeat of the list, definitely one of the best motivators. MJ teaches us that in anything in life, if we want to see something change, we have to make it happen ourselves. Yes, this semester might be kicking my butt, but I'm the only one who can make that stop. I have to be my own motivator, and this song definitely helps me with that.

"I'm starting with the man in the mirror
I'm asking him to change his ways
And no message could have been any clearer
If you want to make the world a better place
Take a look at yourself, and then make a change."

If reading the lyrics for these songs didn't make it obvious enough, go listen to them. I can assure you that your day will instantly brighten, and you will find all the motivation you need by simply pressing play. Now go out there and show life who's boss!