[Motivation Injection] Songs to listen to on days when you don't want to go to work
There are times—like after a long holiday or on Monday mornings—when you just really don’t feel like going to work.
Maybe some of you start to feel a bit heavy-hearted from Sunday night.
Even so, for the sake of your life and your family, you have to get back to work tomorrow.
For those of you pushing through that post-break slump, we’ve gathered a selection of classic and popular songs that will blow away that lethargic mood! These tracks are sure to sweep away the heaviness of those mornings when you don’t want to go to work.
Give these recommended songs a listen and have a positive, energetic day!
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[Motivation Boost] Songs to listen to on days you don’t want to go to work (1–10)
Go for it!!Urufuruzu
It’s Ulfuls’ ninth single, released in 1995.
This song marked their first appearance on the Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
It’s a bright, upbeat track, so listening to it when you’re struggling or feeling discouraged makes you feel like you can keep going.
Just like the title says, it’s a song that fills you with guts.
No.1DISH//
The 13th single by DISH//, a four-member dance-rock band formed in 2011 from selected members of the artist collective EBiDAN.
Chosen as the opening theme for the TV anime My Hero Academia, this high-energy, fast-paced rock track is sure to lift your spirits.
Its powerful message of never stopping as you walk toward the future ignites a spark in hearts worn out from daily work.
It’s a refreshing rock tune perfect for releasing stress when you need to blow off some steam.
seven colorsBUMP OF CHICKEN
NANAIRO features an impressive intro that feels like the morning sun streaming in, and its warm lyrics and melodies spreading out carry that unmistakable BUMP quality.
Chosen as the theme song for the NHK morning drama Okaeri Mone, it’s a perfect fit for the start of the day! The words in the chorus seem to match commuting to work or school, and the sparkling mood helps lighten your heart when you don’t feel like going to work, can’t quite get in the mood, or feel a bit blue.
Everyone has their own ways to reset, but listening to NANAIRO to refresh yourself is highly recommended!
[Motivation Boost] Songs to listen to on days you don’t want to go to work (11–20)
Another Great Day!!LiSA
A rock ’n’ roll number where LiSA’s coolness explodes, “Another Great Day!”.
Chosen as the theme song for the film “Hell’s Garden,” the track’s familiar-sounding rock vibe makes sense once you learn it was composed by Takahiro Matsumoto of B’z! LiSA’s energetic, powerful vocals mesh perfectly, delivering a thrilling rush.
The second verse’s lyrics about staying true to yourself are super cool and wonderful, too.
Even on days when you’re not feeling it, this song blows away the lethargy! Give it a listen and you’ll feel fired up for sure!
SMILYOtsuka Ai
Speaking of Ai Otsuka, her upbeat vibe is one of her charms! This 2005 single is bursting with that brightness.
Her sweet, cute vocals and the little adorable sounds woven in here and there create a fun mood.
The refreshing tone of the song is great too—some of you probably had it on heavy rotation back then as a driving BGM or a track to lift your spirits.
It’s perfect for summer, with an amazing sense of openness! It resonates with a desire to escape reality and gives you motivation.
“SMILY” blows away any heavy atmosphere! Even as a pop tune, the satisfying low end is another part of its appeal.
My RevolutionWatanabe Misato
A perfect song for when you’re feeling down or struggling to get motivated in the morning.
It’s “My Revolution,” Misato Watanabe’s biggest hit, released in 1986.
If you’re worn out by work, relationships, or just life in general, give it a listen.
It might offer a hint to help you climb out of your slump.
BirdmanSEKAI NO OWARI
“Birdman,” which opens with Fukase’s first lines and handclaps.
It’s a track from the 2021 album “scent of memory,” used as the theme song for the TV program Mezamashi 8.
It tells the story of a day that begins with waking up.
Rather than purely upbeat lyrics, it traces the feeling of “this is what I really want to do,” gently staying by your side.
That uniquely SEKAI NO OWARI kind of kindness makes this song truly touching.
On days when you don’t want to go to work or can’t find the motivation, it offers not a push to “try harder,” but the comforting support of understanding and empathy.
The music video is lovely too, showing the members’ close bond, and as the song lightens in the latter half, it’s sure to make our hearts—those of us listening—take flight.