Last week, I shared my tips for planning a sexy summer picnic with your gal pals. Well, no get together is complete without some good tunes.

There is no faster way to boost the vibe of your soiree. Music is scientifically proven to lower your stress levels, relax your body and improve your mental health.

But just like the right soundtrack can get your toes tapping, the wrong music can bring the mood waaaay down. According to Professor Daniel Levitin, who studies the cognitive neuroscience of music at McGill University, the elements of a song affect our body physically, raising or lowering or heart rate and brain activity.

If you think about it, it makes perfect sense. If you’re enjoying a quiet dinner at home, you’re more likely to listen to soft music like classical. If you’re listening to heavy metal or rock, people instinctively jump around and head bang. And if you’re listening to sad love songs, you’re reaching for the Kleenex and Ben and Jerry’s.

Just like with most things, what sounds pleasing to each person is different, but trust your gut when assembling your party playlist. Go with the songs that bring you joy and relaxation. Be sure to keep the music at a lower level. People tend to eat more and choose higher calorie foods when listening to loud music over a softer level. And you want everyone to be able to hear each other. Shouting is not sexy. 😉

I’ve put together a sexy summer playlist of my own chill and fun favorites to save you time or if you need a starting place. Now you can focus more on laughing and shaking your booty with your friends (which is good for your mood too!)

My Sexy Summer Playlist

1. ‘Summertime Magic’ – Childish Gambino

2. ‘Body Talk’ – Foxes

3. ‘Eastside’ – benny blanco, Halsey, Khalid

4. ‘Vanille fraise’ – L’Impératrice

5. ‘Cheap Thrills’ – Sia

6. ‘Rise’ – Jonas Blue, Jack & Jack

7. ‘Heat’ – Kelly Clarkson

8. ‘Make Me Feel’ – Janelle Monáe

9. ‘Girls Like You’ – Maroon 5 Feat. Cardi B

10. ‘Don’t Matter To Me’ – Drake Feat. Michael Jackson

11. ‘Across The Room’ – ODESZA Feat. Leon Bridges

12. ‘New Light’ – John Mayer

13. ‘You Make Me Feel Like Dancing’ – Leo Sayer

14. ‘Little Bit’ – Timeflies

15. ‘Icon Love’ – On an On

16. ‘May I Have This Dance (Remix)’ – Francis and the Lights Feat. Change the Rapper

17. ‘Take On Me – Kygo Remix’ – a-ha

18. ‘Sexual Healing – Kygo Remix’ – Marvin Gaye, Kygo

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What are your favorite songs for summer? Let me know in the comments.

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LOVE + happy dances!