Don’t you love that feeling you get when you hear a great song and your worries seem to melt away with every beat? Music has the power to lift your mood and boost productivity, as well as helping you unwind and de-stress. And there is scientific proof that music is a great tool for improving your outlook on life. But what are the effects of music on moods when it comes to relaxing? Read on to learn how to use music for relaxation and stress reduction.
Music and Your Hormones
Research has shown that listening to music can reduce the levels of the stress hormone, cortisol. In a study published by the National Institutes of Health in 2013, they evaluated 60 women between the ages of 20 and 30 to see how music affected their stress levels. They broke them into three groups and subjected them to a series of stressful tests. The tests involved a mock interview, public speaking, and completing math problems in front of a group of people.
Before the stress tests, one group listened to classical music, a second group listened to water sounds, and a third group did not listen to anything. They discovered the group that recovered the fastest from the stress test was the group that listened to classical music. So, science has proven that you can use music for relaxation and reducing stress.
What Kind of Music is Best?
However, any kind of music can be relaxing, depending on individual preferences. But sometimes, people create music for relaxation. A group called Marconi Union created a song, called “Weightless,” that has been deemed the “most relaxing tune ever” by scientists. Scientists subjected 40 women to a stress test where they had to put together puzzles while listening to a set list of songs.
They were connected to sensors that checked their vital signs. “Weightless” was the most relaxing of the songs they listened to. In fact, it reduced anxiety in the women by 65 percent. Other songs on the list included Enya’s “Watermark,” “Please Don’t Go” by Barcelona, and “Strawberry Swing” by Coldplay.
Some Final Thoughts on Music for Relaxation
Listening to music throughout your day and incorporating it into your routine will help you lower your stress levels. Enjoying your favorite music on your commute, while meditating, or dancing can help you de-stress after a long day. Babies and even children can benefit from enjoying music, too. So, start listening to music for relaxation more, and you’ll feel less stressed overall.
