Ready for this fun new column on House of Earnest?  It’s called ‘A Better Life in Five’ and focuses around something you can do in just five minutes to better your life.

This is one of my favorite tricks to use, especially during the rainy months (e.g. Spring in Ohio).  When it’s raining and gloomy and you feel in the dumps, listen to Reggae.  I’m serious, do it. Hear me out.

You know when you’re on vacation and you get one of those afternoon tropical rains that blow through, but the reggae is playing and you’re feeling relaxed and awesome? You know that feeling? You can have that at home.  I just recently found the “Island Reggae” station on Pandora and every single song makes me feel like I’m sitting on a beach somewhere. You can’t help but relax a little more, breathe a little deeper, and take a good look at the fulfillment of life.

Next time you feel a little stressed out, take five, close your eyes, and put on the island rhythms.  Even if the raindrops are falling outside, they’ll sound rhythmic as you gain some perspective and energy to tackle the rest of your day.

Any tunes that calm you down instantly?