Anxiety is one of the great monsters of the modern era. Research published recently by Harvard University researchers noted that problems caused by stress and anxiety cause more deaths than diabetes and the flu. Surely this state, especially if maintained over time, is not something to be taken lightly. In this regard, soothing music can help.
The fact that we live in a highly competitive and individualistic society greatly contributes to developing a higher level of anxiety. When we feel that we have no grips to grab onto, we can be attacked by panic attacks, shortness of breath and enormous anxiety; the symptoms of the disconnection of which we are victims.
Unfortunately, there is no magic solution to permanently eliminate this problem and anxiolytics are not a solution either, at least in the long term. However, when we experience strong stress we can resort to music, an excellent solution to channel our moods and regain lost balance. Indeed, neuroimaging studies have shown that music acts at a deep level in the brain, stimulating areas to which we usually do not have access rationally and which are linked to emotional responses.
Relaxing Music: What is the most relaxing song in the world?
A team of researchers from Minlab International has been concerned with identifying which are the pieces of music that can help us fight anxiety. These neuroscientists found that a particular passage had an extraordinary effect as people showed a 65% reduction in anxiety.
To arrive at these conclusions, a group of volunteers was selected and asked to complete a series of puzzles, a task they had to complete in no time. The test was designed specifically to generate high stress. The test participants then listened to various pieces of music, while the researchers monitored their heart rate, blood pressure, brain activity, and respiratory rate, looking for signs that their stress levels were lowering.
The piece of music in question is by Marconi Union, a British trio who intentionally composed it to promote a state of relaxation. Therefore, it is not surprising that a few years ago this song was cataloged as "the most relaxing song in the world". It is "Weightless".
This musical theme is so special because it starts with a rhythm of 60 beats per minute and gradually decreases to 50. When we listen to it and focus on the music, our heart is "in tune" with these beats. It is also important that the song lasts eight minutes as this physiological synchronization process takes about five minutes, so a shorter song would not have the same relaxing effect.
On the other hand, the harmonic intervals between the notes generate a feeling of euphoria and comfort. Finally, the melody is composed in such a way as to allow the brain to completely disconnect, because it does not need to keep attentive to anticipate the next note.
Instead of continuous ups and downs, bells appear randomly inducing an even deeper feeling of relaxation. The final element is lower-pitched sounds, such as hum, hum, or Buddhist chants.
Of course, this musical theme isn't a panacea and some people are likely to find other songs much more relaxing. Either way, the important thing is that you have your own playlist for the moments when you need it most.
If you need some inspiration, these neuroscientists believe the 10 most relaxing songs in the world are as follows:
10. “We Can Fly“, Rue du Soleil (Café Del Mar)
9. “Canzonetta Sull'aria“, Mozart
8. “Someone Like You“, Adele
7. “Pure Shores“, All Saints
6. “Please Don’t Go“, Barcelona
5. “Strawberry Swing“, Coldplay
4. “Watermark“, Enya
3. “Mellomaniac (Chill Out Mix)“, DJ Shah
2. “Electra“, Airstream
1. “Weightless“, Marconi Union
