You probably have a song that instantly changes your mood – no matter how stupid you feel, when you listen, as if everything becomes a little more bearable. Music is not just a “Boost” disposition: can significantly reduce stress and anxiety.
There is a particular piece that has proven to be particularly effective in this regard: an eight -minute instrument Weightlesscomposed by the British ambient music band Marconi Union.
In a scientific study conducted by researchers at Mindlab Internationalthe participants were asked to solve difficult puzzles against the stopwatch-an activity meant to increase their stress level. During the test, they wore sensors that monitored the heart rate and blood pressure, while listening to various musical pieces.
The result was amazing: when the Weightless piece was rendered, the anxiety level dropped by 65%.
But what does this song so special and effective in calming the brain do? A neurologist explains for “Parade” The mechanism behind its calming effect and offers recommendations on how we can use music to support our mental health.
Suitable music helps you relax at any time or shutterstock photo
Why the song “Weightless” can help you feel less stressed
Dr. Steven Allder, consultant neurologist at Re: Cognition Healthexplain why the piece “Weightless” It has such a strong effect in reducing stress. One important reason is that this was not created as an ordinary song, but with the clear purpose of diminishing the body’s stress.
“Unlike most pieces, Weightless was composed in collaboration with sound specialized therapists, with the main objective of slowing the stress reaction,” explains the neurologist.
The song begins with a tempo of 60 beats per minute, the equivalent of the heart rate, and then gradually slows up to 50 beats per minute.
“This subtle deceleration stimulates a process called” entracement “(preparation), that is, the heart rate and the breath of the listener begin to synchronize naturally with the tempo of music. This physiological adjustment supports a deep state of relaxation.”says the specialist.
It makes sense, isn’t it? And did you ever happen to listen to slow classic music while you were getting a massage? This type of music is chosen precisely for its relaxing effect. On the other hand, in many fitness rooms there are alert and energetic music, meant to stimulate energy and motivation during physical training.
“Weightless does not contain sudden or sharp transitions of rhythm, tone or volume. This is essential, because unexpected sound changes can activate the brain and trigger a state of vigilance. By avoiding these fluctuations, Weightless creates a constant sound landscape, which favors calm and reduces mental stimulation ”, Dr. Allder also explains, emphasizing another reason why this musical piece reduces stress and anxiety.
How to use music to support your mental health
If you want to use music to reduce stress or anxiety, the neurologist recommends listening to instrumental pieces, with a slow tempo and a predictable rhythm.
“When we listen to soothing musicthe default brain network – associated with introspection and concern – becomes less active. The activity in the brain tonsil, the region responsible for detecting threats and triggering the stress reaction, is reduced. At the same time, the parasympathetic nervous system is activated, which slows down the heart rate and favors relaxation. This change can lead to a slower breath, relaxation of muscles and a general state of psychological calm ”, mentions the specialist.
Music therapy: How to use music therapy for the desired state
Dr. Allder emphasizes that personal preferences play an important role when it comes to using music to support mental health. It matters what it seems to you relaxing, what calms your mind and makes you happy.
Generally, if you feel stressed, he recommends avoiding strong or alert music, such as heavy metal or electronic dance music, because this kind of music can accelerate heart rate and intensify anxiety.
“Music accompanied by emotionally or negatively loaded lyrics can also cause strong reactions, which does not help you calm down.”he adds.
It is clear that music can be another remedy that releases you from tension and anxiety, a valuable tool for supporting mental health. “It is a non-invasive, safe and easily accessible method and can be part of a wider strategy stress management and to improve the emotional state ”says Dr. Steven Allder.
Do not underestimate, therefore, the power of music! It can even be the secret of authentic happiness.
