While I’m at it I might as well post this, too, since Josh got such a kick out of it. I sent this to him a week or so ago, then days later he’s in the hospital. Great timing on my part. Maybe he didn’t follow soon enough the sober and thoughtful advice given in this video.
Just got this from my brother, who at this moment is being hospitalized in Louisiana for pneumonia and possible coronavirus infection. Still awaiting results of his 2nd test. Hasn’t killed his sense of humor. We love you, Josh. Get well.
In fact, listening to that one song — “Weightless” — resulted in a striking 65 percent reduction in participants’ overall anxiety, and a 35 percent reduction in their usual physiological resting rates.
I have a lot of tracks I listen to alter or set my mood, but I’ve never seen the phenomenon quantified so neatly. I’d like to see the measurable improvements in focus, attention, or creativity that music is capable of producing. Not to mention physical effects — improved strength, speed, and stamina. The immune system. Can music heal? Why do we respond to music?
The answer lies somewhere, I think, somewhere outside of human psychology or physiology.
Anyway, calm down and listen to this. Or vice versa.
Read the article. They posted a playlist of the top 10 songs studied with the greatest effect on mood and anxiety.