People tend to have their own ways of relaxing. Whether it’s a massage, taking a walk, or drinking a warm cup of tea, there are many ways to unwind. If music is your stress-busting method of choice, you’re in luck. A British band worked with sound therapists to develop the most relaxing song known to man. The eight-minute song uses guitar, piano and natural sounds to induce the listener into a relaxed state.
To test the song’s “relaxability”, a group of women completed stressful puzzles followed by listening to Marconi Union’s song “Weightless.” The study shows the song actually reduced their anxiety by 65 percent.
For most listeners, their heart rate slows to the beat of the music. This phenomenon, known as entrainment, helps the body release stress and evens out blood pressure levels. By the end of the song, listeners are in a euphoric state. The British Academy of Sound Therapy says the song is so effective at relaxing listeners that it shouldn’t be played while driving.
During the study, a list of the most relaxing songs was also compiled. Of course, “Weightless” topped the chart. Airstream’s “Electra” and “Chill Out Mix” by DJ Shah followed it. Coming in as the fourth most relaxing song was Enya’s “Watermark.” And rounding out the top five was Coldplay’s “Strawberry Swing.”
You can induce the relaxed state that you feel after a massage by listening to these songs at home.
