“One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain”—Bob Marley

Music can heal the wounds that medicine cannot touch. Sound familiar? It’s fascinating to learn that as humans, we are naturally wired to physically respond to music. In fact, music has the unique ability to stimulate more parts of the brain than any other human function and because of this, listening to music is an effective way to reduce anxiety and stress.

Sound therapy has gained popularity as a means to create relaxation, enhance happiness, uplift mood, and rejuvenate overall health. For centuries, diverse cultures across the globe have used music to promote well-being. However, in more recent times, neuroscientists have identified particular music and songs that have the ability to not only alleviate pain but also to effectively reduce anxiety.

According to Dr. David Lewis-Hodgson of Mindlab International, a study was conducted where participants were tasked with solving challenging puzzles under stress while being connected to sensors. To counter the stress, the candidates listened to various songs while scientists observed their brain activity and monitored their psychological and physiological responses, including heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing.

The result  revealed an intriguing finding. Among all the songs tested, one particular song emerged as the most effective in inducing a profoundly serene and relaxed state. Listening to the song “Weightless” resulted in a 65% reduction in anxiety and a 35% decrease in the participants’ typical physiological responses. Composed by Marconi Union in collaboration with sound therapists, the arranged harmony, bass, and rhythm in the song not only aid in reducing anxiety but also have the potential to slow down heart rate, decrease blood pressure, and lower cortisol levels. 

Music is actually one of the simplest ways to leave your brain relaxed and refreshed. It has even been called food for the soul. Therefore, if you’re feeling exhausted or drained, tune into these songs scientifically proven to help reduce anxiety and stress.

1/10 Weightless by Marconi Union

2/10 We Can Fly by Rue du Soleil (Café Del Mar)

3/10 Aqueous Transmission by Incubus

4/10 Canzonetta Sull’aria by Mozart

5/10 Someone Like You by Adele

6/10 Pure Shores by All Saints

7/10 Strawberry Swing by Coldplay

8/10 Watermark by Enya

9/10 The Secret Life of Daydreams by Dario Marianelli

10/10 Electra by Airstream