Here are 10 of the most relaxing songs in the world with the ability to reduce stress level by 65%, according to research conducted by British scientists.
10. “We Can Fly,” by Rue du Soleil (Café Del Mar)
9. “Canzonetta Sull’aria,” by Mozart
8. “Someone Like You,” by Adele
7. “Pure Shores,” by All Saints
6. “Please Don’t Go,” by Barcelona
5. “Strawberry Swing,” by Coldplay
4. “Watermark,” by Enya
3. “Mellomaniac (Chill Out Mix),” by DJ Shah
2. “Electra,” by Airstream
1. “Weightless,” by Marconi Union
Music has long been used as a means to relax and recover human health. For centuries, many cultures around the world have used music to uplift and even heal physical and psychological injuries.
Neuroscientists in the United Kingdom carried out research carefully to select the most effective melodies to reduce human stress.
In the research, scientists use sensors to constantly monitor volunteers who listen to music and solve puzzles. The puzzles will create a certain level of stress in the human brain and in that process, the volunteers hear through different songs. During the process, biological indicators such as heart rate, blood pressure, breathing rate, etc. are continuously recorded by scientists to evaluate the impact of music on stress levels.
According to Dr David Lewis-Hodgson, a member of the research team, below are the 10 most effective songs for mental relaxation ever tested. The study results show that just by hearing a Weightless song, the level of anxiety in volunteers is reduced by 65% while their normal biological indicators are in a relaxed condition of around 35%.
More notably, the researchers found that the relaxing effect of the songs originated from the fact that the songs were created to serve that purpose in the first place. Typically, the team collaborated with the music producer to create the song Weightless to be used as sound therapy. The melody, rhythm, … are carefully arranged to help slow down the heart rate, lower blood pressure and reduce the listener’s stress hormone levels.
Regarding stress and its negative impact on human health, stress will aggravate or increase the risk of heart disease, obesity, depression, digestive problems, asthma and more. Moreover, a recent study conducted by Harvard and Stanford University has shown that stress from work alone can cause a higher number of deaths than diabetes, Alzheimer’s or avian flu.
In order to have a healthy life, according to the researchers, the body and mind must have time to relax. Listening to music is a simple way to relieve stress in life and work. However, Dr David Lewis-Hodgson notes that although Weightless is effective at reducing stress, some women in the research said that they felt sleepy when listening to it. So we should avoid hearing while driving as it can be dangerous.