Chances are, there’s a song you can think of that you know will instantly put you in a good mood; even if you’re in a funk, you can’t help but feel just a little bit better when you hear it. Music isn’t just good for a mood boost. It can help lessen feelings of stress and anxiety too.
Well, there’s one song in particular that’s especially effective for this: an eight-minute instrumental song called “Weightless” by Marconi Union, an English band known for their ambient music.
In a scientific study conducted by researchers at Mindlab International, participants were asked to solve challenging puzzles as quickly as possible, a task meant to increase their stress levels. The participants wore sensors so the researchers could monitor changes in their heart rate and blood pressure. During the exercise, different songs were played. When the participants listened to “Weightless,” it reduced their anxiety levels by 65%.
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Why is this one song such a powerful stress reliever? We asked a neurologist about it (as well as for some other ways to use music to support mental health).
Why Listening to ‘Weightless’ Can Help You Feel Less Stressed
Dr. Steven Allder, FRCP, DM, a consulting neurologist at Re:Cognition Health, says that there are a few reasons why “Weightless” is such a powerful stress-reducer. One, it was designed to reduce stress. “Unlike most songs, it was composed in collaboration with sound therapists, with the [primary] purpose of slowing down the body’s stress response,” he shares.
He explains that the song’s tempo starts at 60 beats per minute, which is the average resting heart rate. Then, it gradually slows down to 50 beats per minute. “This subtle deceleration encourages a process known as entrainment, where the listener’s heart rate and breathing naturally begin to match the tempo of the music, a physiological shift that supports relaxation,” he says.
Related: The Science of Stress: What’s Going On in Our Bodies When We’re Stressed?
It makes sense, right? Have you ever listened to slow, classical music while getting a massage? This music is played because it’s meant to be relaxing. Conversely, many gyms play fast-paced, upbeat music, meant to drive up energy for workouts.
“‘Weightless’ also features no sharp or abrupt transitions in rhythm, tone or volume. This is crucial, as sudden changes in sound can startle the brain and trigger alertness,” Dr. Allder says, of another reason why the song can lead to feeling less stressed or anxious. “By avoiding these fluctuations, ‘Weightless’ maintains a constant auditory landscape, which promotes calm and reduces mental stimulation.”
Related: A Psychiatrist Says This Is the Absolute Worst Habit for Your Stress
How To Use Music To Support Your Mental Health
If you want to use music to feel less stressed or anxious, Dr. Allder recommends listening to instrumental music that has a slow tempo and a predictable rhythm.
“When we listen to calming music, the brain’s default mode network, which is associated with introspection and worry, can quiet down. Activity in the amygdala, the part of the brain that detects threats and triggers the stress response, is reduced. At the same time, the parasympathetic nervous system is activated, which slows the heart rate and promotes relaxation. This shift can result in slower breathing, muscle relaxation and a sense of psychological ease,” he explains.
Dr. Allder says that personal preference also plays a role when it comes to using music to support mental health. What matters is what’s soothing to you.
Related: Stress-Relief Tips: 4 Easy Steps for Letting Go of Stress
In general, if you’re feeling stressed, Dr. Allder says to avoid listening to music that’s loud or fast-paced, such as heavy metal or electronic dance music, because this type of music can increase heart rate, causing you to feel more anxious. “Music with emotionally intense or negative lyrics can also evoke strong feelings that may be counterproductive when you’re trying to calm down,” he adds.
Clearly, music is a great tool for supporting mental health. “It’s non-invasive, safe and easily accessible and can be an effective part of a broader strategy to manage stress and improve emotional well-being,” Dr. Allder says. Don’t underestimate the power of music!
Up Next:
Related: ‘I’m a Therapist—This Is How I Calm My Anxiety in Seconds’
Sources
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Dr. Steven Allder, FRCP, DM, consulting neurologist at Re:Cognition Health
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A Study Investigating the Relaxation Effects of the Music Track Weightless by Marconi Union in consultation with Lyz Cooper. British Academy of Sound Therapy.
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Unlocking the Beat: Dopamine and Eye Blink Response to Classical Music. NeuroSci. 2023
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Relationships between musical structure and psychophysiological measures of emotion. Emotion. 2007
This Song Is Scientifically Proven To Reduce Stress by 65%—Have You Ever Listened to It? first appeared on Parade on May 28, 2025
