It's been said that music is the universal language. Whether you're in a foreign country and can't speak the language or feeling blue and need a pick-me-up, music has a way of reaching into our hearts and speaking to us. And that's not surprising when you consider music's power in affecting our moods, memories, and health.

Explore the Science Behind Solfeggio Frecuencies

Both children and adults can benefit from using relaxation music as a form of therapy to help deal with stress and stress symptoms. Music therapy is an established and effective form of treatment that is often used in hospitals and other healthcare settings.

We'll look at the history of music as a form of therapy, how music can help deal with stress, and some of the different ways you can use music to manage stress in your life. We'll also offer some suggestions for where to find relaxation music that can help you get started.

A Brief History of Music Therapy

Music therapy is not a new concept. It's been around for centuries. The Ancient Greek physician Hippocrates used one of the earliest documented music therapy. He believed that music had the power to heal both physical and mental ailments.

Ancient texts such as the Bible and the Talmud also mention music being used for healing. For example, King Saul was said to have been cured of his depression by the music of David. The Levites were also said to have used soothing music for the sick and dying.

During the Middle Ages, music was used to distract from pain during surgery. In the 18th and 19th centuries, music was employed to treat mental illness.

In other parts of the world, calming music has long been used as a form of healing. In India, for example, music is an integral part of the Ayurvedic tradition.

It wasn't until the 20th century that music therapy was formally studied and used as a treatment method in Western medicine. The first academic program was established at Michigan State University in 1944.

Since then, music therapy has been used to treat a wide variety of conditions, including:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Chronic pain
• Insomnia
• Migraines
• High blood pressure
• Dementia
• Alzheimer's disease
• Autism

As you can see, music therapy has a long and rich history. But what about music makes it such a powerful tool for the stress response?

Music Therapy Today

Stress can take a toll on your body and mind. It can make it difficult to concentrate, sleep, and even eat. But music can help you cope by providing a distraction from your worries, reducing anxiety, and promoting relaxation.

There are different types of music therapy, but all involve using music to achieve a therapeutic goal. These types include:

Active music therapy: This therapy helps improve cognitive, motor, and social skills.

Passive music therapy: This therapy aims to achieve a relaxed state.

A trained music therapist usually provides music therapy. But you don't need to see a music therapist to reap the benefits of music's stress-reducing powers. You can use music to manage your emotions or situation on your own.

How Music Affects the Brain

Music can profoundly affect your mood, blood pressure, and heart rate. It can also help reduce anxiety and ease pain. But how does relaxing music therapy have these effects?

Researchers believe that music activates the limbic system, the part of the brain that controls emotion. When this system is stimulated, it can have a calming effect. Music also releases endorphins, which are hormones that boost mood and relaxation.

In addition, music can help you focus. It can distract you from your worries and help you concentrate on something else. And when you're focused, your mind is less likely to wander to other, more stressful thoughts.

Tips for Music Therapy To Reduce Stress

If you're interested in using music to manage stressors, there are a few things to keep in mind. Solfeggio frequencies can help to reduce stress.

Find Songs that You Enjoy and that Have a Calming Affect on You.

This looks different for everyone. Some people find classical music relaxing, while others prefer nature sounds, piano, or soft rock. You may need to experiment with different types of music to find what works best for you. You're less likely to benefit if you don't like what you're listening to.

Listen to Music That Has a Slow Tempo and is Free of Lyrics.

Lyrics can sometimes be distracting or stressful. Even if you enjoy the music, the lyrics may cause you to focus on your worries instead of being optimistic and relaxing.

Set Aside Some Time to Listen to Music.

The music won't be effective if you only listen for a few minutes here and there. Make time for a 20- or 30-minute session using a playlist, and give yourself permission to relax and not focus on anything else.

If you're new to music for relief, start with a 10- or 15-minute session or playlist. You can gradually increase the length of time as you get more comfortable.

Make Sure the Volume is at a Comfortable Level.

If the sound is too loud, it can be jarring and stressful. If it's too soft, you may not be able to hear it well enough to benefit from it.

Write Down Your Thoughts Before and After Listening to Music.

This can help you track how effectively it reduces stress levels. Keeping a journal can also identify any patterns in your stressors and triggers.

Popular Music and Stress

Now that we know how music can help reduce stress let's look at some of the most popular genres and see how they can impact your mental health.

Classical Music

Classical music is often thought of as calm and relaxing. And there's some research to support this. One study found that classical music reduced stress and improved mood in a group of university students.

If you're looking for a specific piece of classical music, try "Requiem for a Dream" by Clint Mansell or Albinoni's "Adagio in G Minor."

Nature Sounds

Nature sounds, like the sound of rain or waves crashing on the shore, can also be effective at reducing stress. They were more effective than white noise or no sound at all. Nature sounds, combined with relaxing music, maybe even more effective.

Some popular nature sounds include the sound of rain, birds chirping, thunderstorms, waterfalls, and waves. BetterSleep also has a collection of free nature sounds you can listen to.

Soft Rock

Soft rock is a genre that's easy to listen to and usually has a slower tempo. It's often used to help people relax or fall asleep. Soft rock may also help reduce stress. One study found that soft rock and reggae helped dogs relax and achieve higher heart rate variability (HRV), which meant they were less stressed. This could be extended to humans, as soft rock playlists for stress relief are abundant online.

Some soft rock artists include Jack Johnson, Enya, and Coldplay. Some songs that may help reduce stress include "Don't Stop Believin'" by Journey, "Here Comes the Sun" by The Beatles, and "Yellow" by Coldplay.

Jazz

The sounds of jazz may help you relax and focus. From the mellow sounds of smooth jazz to the more upbeat sounds of swing, there's a type of jazz that can fit any mood. Jazz has been found to reduce stress and anxiety in several studies.

Artists to try to include Miles Davis, Billie Holiday, and Dave Brubeck.

New Age

New-age music is characterized by its relaxing, meditative sound. It's often used for yoga and meditation and may help reduce stress by slowing your heart rate and lowering blood pressure.

Some new age artists include Enya, Yanni, and Kitaro.

Christmas Music

You may not think of Christmas music as a way to reduce stress, but it can be quite effective. Christmas music has been found to reduce stress levels and improve seniors' moods. Not convinced? Try listening to "Silent Night" or "O Holy Night" the next time you feel stressed.

However, scientists have also found that Christmas music can cause some people to feel more stressed. The holiday season can be stressful for many people, and holiday songs may remind them of everything they have to do.

Sleep Better with Music

If you're having trouble sleeping, music may help. Listening to calm, relaxing music before bed can help you fall asleep and improve the quality of your sleep. One study found that people who listened to 45 minutes of relaxing music before bed slept better than those who didn't.

Some good sleep and relaxation music includes:

• "Weightless" by Marconi Union
• "Someone to Watch Over Me" by Sting
• "Requiem for a Dream" by Clint Mansell
• "Blues After Hours" by Pee Wee Crayton

BetterSleep features a wide library of sleep music and other relaxation sounds to help you get a good night's sleep. Choose from hundreds of sounds, including rain, thunderstorms, waterfalls, and waves. You can also play these alongside other relaxation techniques, such as yoga and meditation.

When to See a Doctor

Music can indeed be a helpful way to promote relaxation. But if you're still feeling stressed, anxious, or down, it's important to see a doctor. These feelings can be symptoms of an underlying condition, such as depression or anxiety. A doctor can help you identify the cause of your symptoms and develop a treatment plan.

If you're struggling to cope, don't hesitate to seek help. Many resources can help you manage symptoms and improve your mental health. As you do, music can be a helpful tool in your journey to better mental health.