Anxiety is one of the great monsters of the modern era. A research published recently by Harvard University researchers noted that the problems generated by stress and anxiety cause more deaths than diabetes and influenza. Surely this state, especially if maintained over time, is not something to be taken easily.
The fact that we live in a highly competitive and individualistic society greatly contributes to develop a higher level of anxiety. When we perceive not to have handholds to grab to we can come beset by panic attacks, shortness of breath and a huge anxiety; the symptoms of disconnection of which we are victims.
Unfortunately, there is no magic solution to eliminate this problem permanently and the drugs for anxiety are not a solution, at least in the long term. However, when we experience a lot of stress we can use music, a great way to channel our mood and regain the balance we’ve lost. In fact, neuroimaging studies have shown that music acts at a deeper level in the brain, stimulating the areas to which we usually do not have rationally access and that are linked to emotional responses.
What is the most relaxing song in the world?
A team of researchers at Minlab International were concerned to identify what are the songs that can help fight anxiety. These neuroscientists discovered that a particular song gave extraordinary results since people showed a 65% reduction of anxiety.
To reach these conclusions was selected a group of volunteers and was asked to complete a series of puzzles, a task that had to end in a very short time. The test was designed specifically to generate stress. Later, the participants listened to several songs while researchers were monitoring their heart rate, blood pressure, brain activity and breathing rate, looking for signs that would indicate the lowering of the level of stress.
The song in question is of Marconi Union, a British trio who composed it intentionally to promote a state of relaxation. Therefore, it is not surprising that a few years ago this piece was listed as “the most relaxing song in the world”. It is “Weightless“.
This song is so special because it begins with a rate of 60 beats per minute and gradually decreases to 50. When we listen to it and concentrate on the music, our heart is “tuned” by these pulsations. It is also important the fact that the song lasts eight minute, since this physiological synchronization process takes about five minutes, then a shorter track would not have the same relaxing effect.
On the other hand, the harmonic intervals between notes generate a feeling of euphoria and comfort. Finally, the melody is composed in such a way as to allow the brain to disconnect completely, because it doesn’t need to remain alert to anticipate the next note.
Instead of continuous high and low are appearing bells randomly inducing a feeling of even more profound relaxation. The final element is the lowest tone sounds, like a whisper, a hum, as in Buddhist chants.
Of course, this musical theme is not a panacea and it is likely that some people would find other songs much more relaxing. In any case, the important thing is that you have your own playlist for the moments when you need it most.
If you need a bit of inspiration, these neuroscientists believe that the 10 most relaxing song in the world are the following:
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
