According to headlines, science has found "The World's Most Relaxing Song". It was even reported that you should avoid driving while listening to it, as it might induce you to fall asleep at the wheel! Every few years the news finds this song again, and a whole new crowd falls in love with it's effects. The band, Marconi Union, worked closely with a sound therapist to create a track that would impact the listeners unconscious physical responses.
But how does this work?
- The song starts at 60 beats per minute, which is a comfortable resting heart rate and it gradually slows down to 50 beats per minute.
- Through entrainment your heart beat begins to match the rhythm of the music, you also may begin to breathe more slowly and deeply.
- The song lasts for about 8 minutes, which provides your body enough time to fully adjust to the stimuli it is experiencing.
Will it work for everyone?
The short answer is no.
Entrainment can have a powerful effect on our bodies, and the physical impacts of listening to music should not be discounted! However, something even more important to consider is your individual relationship with music. Music is the second strongest trigger to memory, the first being scent. Our musical preferences and memory connections can easily override the physical impact of a piece of music.
Simply put, if you don't enjoy Marconi Union's style you will probably not find this song to be more effective than a massage, or even a quick stretch break. But it's probably worth a try!
Give it a listen and see if this song is the key to more rest and less stress for you!