Best Music Videos to Provide a Brief Escape from Stress and Sadness

Stress makes you do strange things.

During my first year of law school, my friend, Bex, and I once did an entire afternoon of Hershey's chocolate, salt and vinegar potato chips and cream soda. We paid for it later, but it made cramming for finals easier, even for just those few hours.

Another habit I picked up, again during that stressful period, was reading Archie Comics. There were Archies strewn all over the apartment. My husband wondered whether his wife had lost her mind. Instead, I was actually saving my sanity by taking that break between moments of intense study.

Last month, our nation was once again held hostage by a deranged mind.  When alleged took the lives of 12 people and injured more than 70 others, he psychologically scarred much of the nation. As we did after the Columbine shootings, 9/11 and the Oklahoma City bombing, we struggled to find security in our day-to-day lives. Friends of mine hesitated to return to the theater, afraid of copycats.

Although I didn't worry about going to the movies, I did spend a few hours de-stressing by watching at least a few music videos on Vevo while munching on cookies from DZ Akins. While I don’t recommend permanently tuning out reality, a little healthy escapism never hurt anyone – note that I said “healthy,” as in refusing to turn to drugs, alcohol or other harmful temptations.

And if you're in the mood to watch some silly videos for a temporary escape from a stressful reality, here are five suggestions:

Call Me Maybe by Carly Rae Jepsen

Yes, it's overplayed. And yes, it teeters on the edge causing the same kind of rage as "Who Let the Dogs Out" to most who hear those first few lines. But it's hard to deny how weirdly happy you feel once the song is in full swing. Possibly, it's because Jepsen sounds like she's smiling during the entire thing. Even better, the video doesn't take itself seriously as Jepsen fantasizes about a guy who really isn't into her as much as her guitarist.

Want U Back by Cher Lloyd

She sounds like a bit of a wanker when she's talking, but the very attractive Lloyd is actually quite entertaining in both versions of this song. She's the stalker ex-girlfriend who can't believe her former boyfriend moved on. And no, Cher, you don't sound like a helicopter as much as an expressive toddler.

Settle Down by No Doubt

No Doubt is comfort listening for much of my generation. I’m glad to say Gwen Stefani and the gang are back with their latest offering. Even better than the song, however, is how good everyone in the band looks, particularly the amazing Ms. Stefani, who turns 43 in October. Watching her dance and pose makes me feel like I need to get down on the floor and give her 20, or maybe even 100.

Get It Started by Pitbull featuring Shakira

Note to musicians looking for someone to sing the hook: You can never go wrong with Shakira. There’s something about her voice – love it or hate it – that instantly conjures her image, belly-dancing glory and all. In addition to a solid track, the video portrays Pitbull as a James Bond-type, following – of course – a great-looking woman being controlled by her possessive dude and his gang of thugs. Action, adventure and Shakira make this video a must-see for anyone who wants to get away for a few minutes.

Blow Me (One Last Kiss) by P!nk

P!nk is the wild friend you wish you had in high school. OK, she’s the wild friend I wish I had in high school, the girl who’d stand by you no matter who pulled punches. “Blow Me” features P!nk getting rejected by a guy who clearly has no idea with whom he’s messing. She proceeds to take another guy’s motorcycle from the scene of the initial rejection and dance with her ex’s new love before celebrating their rather disastrous wedding ceremony – all before flying away on a bicycle with her new boyfriend.