Each one of us has tried various techniques in combating the anxiety and stress that we often experience in our lives. These different methods are not just helpful in making us feel better, but they are also important in maintaining a positive mind and good health.

Sound therapy has been shown to reduce stress. Source: HRM Insider

We know stress and anxiety have harmful effects on our bodies. When a person is dealing with a lot of stress, a chemical called cortisol is released in the body. This chemical release is not a good thing as it will likely increase your risk to acquiring digestive problems, depression, asthma, obesity, heart diseases etc. Also, a recent paper that was published out of Stanford and Harvard suggested that health issues caused by job stress have resulted in more deaths in comparison to influenza, Alzheimer's, and diabetes.

So, what exactly is the best way to taking some pressure off our backs? According to neuroscientists, we need to listen to music - specifically, a special song.

Mindlab International's team of neuroscientists led by Dr. Lewis-Hodgson conducted research on sound therapy. All the participants were asked to attempt to complete puzzles, which are excellent in inducing stress. The participants all had sensors attached to key points on their bodies. Then, they were asked to listen to several different songs as the researchers recorded and measured their breathing, blood pressure, and heart rate.

Researchers found the top ten songs to reduce stress. Source: Root Cause Medical Clinic  

The Song That Stood Out

Marconi Union's song, Weightless, was found to reduce anxiety and stress by a whopping 65%! The song, according to the findings of the neuroscientists, produced a state of relaxation that is greater compared to other songs that have been tested.
"The song was so effective that many participants became drowsy from listening to it. I would advise people to not listen to Weightless when driving as it could pose a danger," stated Dr. Lewis-Hodgson.

The song Weightless by Marconi Union was found to reduce stress up to 65%. Source: YouTube

In this day and age where we get constantly bombarded with stressors, one thing is clear: we have to prioritize giving our body and mind the rest that they need. Music is the easiest way to take off the stress that we get from the constant dings, pings, texts, apps, emails, tags, meetings, deadlines, and appointments we deal with throughout the day. All these leave us anxious and drained. So, when you feel your stress levels are rising, listen to the top ten tracks below that have been proven to help you calm your mind.

10. Rue du Soleil - We Can Fly

9. Mozart - Canzonetta Sull'aria

8. Adele - Someone Like You

7. All Saints - Pure Shores

6. Barcelona - Please Don't Go

5. Coldplay - Strawberry Swing

4. Enya - Watermark

3. DJ Shah - Mellomaniac

2. Airstream - Electra

1. Marconi Union - Weightless

Keep in mind that in order for your anxiety to go away, there is a need for you to stop giving the song too much attention. When listening to them, you should not keep on thinking that you are still feeling stressed. What you should do is to take a deep breath and simply enjoy the music.