Below are the 10 most relaxing songs in the world, capable of reducing stress levels by up to 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
For a long time, music has been used as a means of relaxation and recovery for human health. Over the centuries, many cultures around the world have utilized music to uplift spirits and even heal physical and psychological wounds.
Now, neuroscientists in the UK have conducted serious research to identify the most effective melodies in alleviating human stress.
In the study, scientists used sensors to continuously monitor volunteers who were listening to music while solving puzzles. These puzzles created a certain level of stress in the human brain, and during this process, volunteers listened to various songs. Throughout this process, biological indicators such as heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing were continuously recorded by scientists to investigate the impact of music on stress levels.
According to Dr. David Lewis-Hodgson, a member of the research team, the following are the 10 songs that have proven to be the most effective in relaxing the mind. The research results show that simply listening to “Weightless” reduced anxiety levels in volunteers by 65%, while their normal biological indicators also relaxed by 35%.
Interestingly, researchers found that the relaxing effect of these songs was due to the fact that they were initially created for that purpose. For example, the team collaborated with a music producer to create “Weightless” specifically for use as sound therapy. The melodies, rhythms, and tempos were carefully arranged to help slow heart rates, reduce blood pressure, and lower the stress hormone cortisol in listeners.
It is also worth mentioning the issue of stress and its negative impacts on human health. Stress can exacerbate or increase the risk of heart disease, obesity, depression, digestive issues, asthma, and more. Notably, a recent study conducted by Harvard University and Stanford found that work-related stress alone caused more deaths than diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, or avian flu.
To achieve a healthy life, researchers assert that both the body and mind need time to relax and rest. Music is a simple way to reduce stress in life and work. However, Dr. David Lewis-Hodgson notes that although “Weightless” is effective in reducing stress, some women in the study reported feeling sleepy while listening to it, so it should be avoided while driving as it may pose a danger.
