Massage, meditation, yoga, essential oils—when it comes to combatting stress, we’ve tried it all. And while some methods work better than others, we’re always looking for the next best thing to reduce anxiety and keep it from bottling up. What if we told you that listening to one song one time could lessen your stress levels by up to 65 percent? Yes, you read that correctly.
You May Also Like: Move Over Yoga, There’s a New Trendy Practice in Town
The study, commissioned by Radox Spa and Mindlab International, was conducted on participants who tried to solve difficult puzzles as quickly as possible while connected to a variety of different sensors. The puzzles induced a certain level of stress, and participants listened to different songs while researchers measured brain activity as well as physiological conditions that included heart rate, blood pressure and rate of breathing.
While there was a list of 10 top songs that affected stress levels the best, one song in particular, “Weightless” by Marconi Union, resulted in a 65 percent reduction in overall anxiety and a 35 percent reduction in participants’ usual physiological resting rates. In fact, Dr. David Lewis-Hodgson of Mindlab International says, “’Weightless’ was so effective, many women become drowsy and I would advise against driving while listening to the song because it could be dangerous.” Here is the full list of songs:
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
Borrowing from the techniques found in sound therapy, which has been around for decades and is an effective way to combat stress, according to Inc.com, “Weightless” was specifically constructed with the help of sound therapists to ensure its harmonies, rhythms and bass lines help slow listeners’ heart rates, blood pressure and cortisol levels. Listen for yourself below.
