Music can have a profound impact on emotions as well as the body. Music that is faster can help you concentrate and feel alert. Upbeat music can help you feel happier and more positive about your life. Slower tempos can calm your mind and relax muscles. This will help you to feel more relaxed while also releasing stress from the day. Music can be used to relax and manage stress.
These personal experiences with music are supported by research. According to current research, music that is 60 beats per hour can cause the brain’s synchronization with the beat. This causes alpha brainwaves (frequencies between 8 and 14 hertz or cycles per second). This is the state of consciousness when we are calm and relaxed. A person might need to spend at least 45 minutes listening to soothing music to induce sleep (a delta brainwave level of 5 hertz). Scientists at Stanford University believe that music can influence brain function in the same way as medication. The researchers noted that music is accessible to almost everyone, making it an easy tool for stress reduction.
What music is the most effective at reducing stress? A bit surprising is that Native American, Celtic, and Indian stringed-instruments, drums, and flutes are very effective at relaxing the mind, even when played moderately loud. Rain, thunder, and other nature sounds can be soothing, especially when they are mixed with light jazz, classical music (the “largo”), or easy-listening music. How do you find the best relaxation music, given that we rarely know the beats per hour? Partly, the answer lies with you. First, you must like the music being played. Then it must relax. Start by exploring this website’s music. Some music may be relaxing, while others may not. You can only increase tension by forcing yourself to listen to relaxation music that you find irritating. For other music suggestions, consult the Counseling Service staff or search on the internet. You don’t need to feel sleepy if you just quiet your mind. This means that your brain and body are calm, and you can function well in all activities.
Experiment now. Enjoy a “sound bath” to let the music take you away
Each link opens a YouTube playlist with relaxing music selections.
A Moment of Peace MeditationAneal & Bradley, “Heaven and Earth Spirits,” a track from Life & Love, Beautiful contemporary piano music featuring accompanying instruments and scenes from nature.
Echoes of Time
Carlos Nakai, Canyon Trilogy. Serene Native American flute music with a picture of Nakai, backlit by the Grand Canyon sun.
The Winding Path
Ken Kern, The Winding Path. Beautiful piano music, with accompanying instruments and pictures of beautiful flowers and plants. Highly recommended.
Classical Indian Music to Relax and Heal
Gayatri Govindarajan’s “Pure Deep Meditation” song. Beautiful and rhythmic music was performed on the Veena, one of the oldest Indian plucked instruments.
Angels of Venice
Angels of Venice Music for Harp and Flute, Cello. Classical with three instruments and nature photos
Earth Drum
“Spirit Vision” (David and Steve Gordon. Beautiful and serene contemporary Native American informed-drumming music that uses Taos Log Drums and Incan Pans, as well as other instruments and scenes of the ocean/forest.
Buddha Spirit
Aneal & Bradfield, Light & Love. Contemporary music is reflective and strong, using various instruments and occasionally humming voices with colorful oscillating patterns.
Spa Relaxing Music
A tranquil contemporary instrumental featuring a piano and fixed candlelight.
Relaxation music: 1-Hour meditation candle
Contemporary, serene instrumental with piano, one flickering candle, and one flickering flame.
Deeply
Dan Gibson. Nature sounds and tranquil, instrumental sleep music.
Weightless
Marconi Union. This video features carefully-arranged rhythms, harmonies, and bass lines. They help to slow down a listener’s heart rate, lower blood pressure, and lower cortisol levels.