Escaping the daily grind. What music relaxes us and what music gets us fired up.
It's important to take a break from everyday life! Take a deep breath. Recharge your batteries. And then it's back to business as usual.
Music has been proven to help us relax. Not only does it promote balance and contentment, but it also has a measurable effect on our heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing rhythm.
But what kind of music helps us relax the most?
According to various studies, the following three criteria must be met:
- Instrumental music is best for relaxation. Music without vocals has a calming effect on our body and mind. Vocal pieces, on the other hand, are generally less suitable because they’re usually perceived on a rational, analytical level.
- A specific tempo is important! Experts therefore recommend a tempo that matches the human heartbeat—typically between 60 and 80 beats per minute. If the tempo is below this range, it’s even better for the relaxation process; if it’s above, it’s less effective.
- In addition, the rhythm must be constant, because the heart always tries to adapt to the beat of the music. If the rhythm is too uneven or fast, the heartbeat also goes haywire and either keeps us awake when we’re trying to fall asleep to the music or makes us restless when we’re trying to relax. Aggressive music therefore often rubs off on the listener’s mood. Anyone who’s ever observed a fanatical techno lover or two can attest to this.
Searched and Found: The Most Relaxing Song in the World
Attention, drumroll! According to neuroscientists, the most relaxing song in the world is “Weightless” by Marconi Union.
In the study, test subjects were artificially put under stress and then played different types of music. Meanwhile, their breathing, heart rate, and brain activity were measured. For a full 65 percent of the participants, listening to “Weightless” caused their stress levels to drop dramatically. They relaxed and became calmer. Interestingly, that’s exactly why the song was produced. Working with therapists, the team sought to create the perfect harmony. The result was an 8-minute song that never repeats itself.
We searched the internet for you to find the top 10 most relaxing songs—and we found them. But be careful: it’s best not to listen to them while driving!
- “Weightless” by Marconi Union
- “Electra” by Airstream
- “Mellomaniac (Chill Out Mix)” by DJ Shah
- “Watermark” by Enya
- “Strawberry Swing” by Coldplay
- “Please Don’t Go” by Barcelona
- “Pure Shores” by All Saints
- “Someone Like You” by Adele
- “Canzonetta Sull’aria” by Mozart
- “We Can Fly” by Rue du Soleil (Café Del Mar)
It doesn’t always have to be meditation music
As always, and in every aspect of life, there are exceptions that prove the rule.
While some people find relaxation in classical music or sounds of nature, others need hard rock to truly unwind. It often also depends on the music we grew up with and the situations or moods we associate with it.
A fun fact from the world of our four-legged friends: Dogs prefer to relax to reggae and soft rock. Cats and cows love classical music.
But they all have one thing in common: listening to music for 5 to 10 minutes can already help you unwind—30 minutes is even better! The key is to turn off other sources of noise while doing so. So, put on your headphones, close your eyes, and give yourself over completely to the music. Special “noise-canceling” headphones are expensive to buy, but they can be a real blessing in the hustle and bustle of the city, on airplanes, and in open-plan offices. People with hearing loss often have a much better listening experience with high-quality products. In particular, the clear reproduction of bass frequencies helps you “feel” what you’re hearing.
