Rely on a Stress-Reducing Playlist Instead of Cigarettes

This Monday, rather than reaching for a cigarette, learn healthy ways to relax at home, on the go, or just about anytime, anywhere. There’s an abundance of stress relief techniques available like reading, yoga, or progressive muscle relaxation, but typical, everyday activities, like listening to music, can also help you remain calm and relaxed during tense situation.

Research has shown that listening to certain musical genres, specifically classical music, may have an effect on anxiety, blood pressure, and stress hormones. A study conducted by Mindlab International put sensors on people trying to complete a stress-inducing puzzle to find how different songs affected their stress levels. Certain songs were shown to reduce stress-related symptoms; one song in particular showed a 65 percent reduction in anxiety and a 35 percent reduction in “physiological resting rates.”

Many streaming music services such as Spotify or Apple Music offer their own versions of calming or relaxing playlists. If these songs don’t do it for you, construct your own stress-relief playlist featuring songs with soothing harmonies, rhythms, and bass lines. Listen before or after work, or during a break to completely unwind. This Monday, skip the smoke break and listen to a special playlist if you feel stressed.