Sometimes we all need a little pick-me-up. Sometimes we want to know that rockstars are also experiencing excessive amounts of stress. Sometimes we feel like our head might expload, but we find comfort in the thought of Dolly Parton working “9-5!”

So here are some tunes, work related, lamenting about said work, fueling your fire and giving you that extra boost to make it through the day. You can do it! God speed!

1. 9 to 5- Dolly Parton

2. Workin’ Day and Night- Michael Jackson

3. Work It- Missy Elliott

4. If Work Permits- The Format

5. A Hard Day’s Night- The Beatles

6. She Works Hard for the Money- Donna Summer

7. Work is a 4 letter Word- The Smiths

8. Workingman’s Blues #2- Bob Dylan

9. I Can’t Get No Satisfaction- The Rolling Stones

10. The Distance- Cake

11. Manic Monday- The Bangles

12. Everybody wants to rule the world- Tears For Fears

13. Light&Day- The Polyphonic Spree

14. Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go- Wham!

That’s right, I included George Michael…what about it?!

[Got any work inspired tunes?? Let us know!]

Instead, I would roll out of bed, drag my pajama’d ass to class and take a nice long nap before heading to the rec building for my pre-drinking workout.

But now that college is over (and no, I am still not over it), I spend ten hours a day behind a desk and can’t muster the energy to get out of my car after work to pick up my take out, let alone make it through an hour long kickboxing class.

I have been left with no choice but to do the AM thang. 5:30 in the AM to be exact.

And let me tell you, it is not fun. It is still quite dark outside when my alarm starts screaming at 5:30. I stumble around my house looking for my workout apparel and don’t even open my eyes until my feet hit the treadmill.

The only thing that gets me through this early morning hell is music. And I have finally perfected the art of the motivating playlist. These mixes put some pep in my ellipticizing step.

I may even be found boogying on the gym ball.

So, if you need some motivation to hit the gym before 3PM, I recommend using my tested and approved list of jams that will get that tired ass outta bed and into shape so fast it didn’t know what hit it, no matter how many games of flip cup and beer pong you played last night. Oh, and you will actually enjoy it!

Yes, it is that good.

1. Jesus Walks: Kanye West

2. Excuse Me Mr.: No Doubt

3. Conga: Gloria Estefan

4. Release: Timbaland

5. This is For My Party People: Missy Elliot

6. Centerfold: J Geils Band

7. Tambourine: Eve

8. Spice Up Your Life: Spice Girls

9. Shout: TLC

10. Stronger: Kanye West

Any other good workout songs? I am always looking for more.