Did you know that listening to relaxing sounds can increase your serotonin level? This recent article touches on a few studies that show listening to “relaxation” (AKA New Age) music or nature sounds can make you happier person while reducing your stress levels.
Listening to music is a wonderful way to unwind and soothe yourself after a difficult day. It’s especially ideal when you opt for something other than a structured ‘verse-chorus-repeat chorus-verse-chorus-repeat chorus’ song. There was a time when I shied away from this genre, finding it a bore or just ignorant to the benefits, but after implementing daily meditation I’ve found myself putting this music on more often than I ever would have imagined.
Personally, I noticed how this slight addition slowed down my normal racing thoughts and eased my mind, making it easier to focus. This led me from listening while meditating, to putting it on before I fell asleep and then gradually incorporating it into my daily routine. I found myself diving into sub genres, discovering beautifully simple compositions, interbred with birds singing or creeks babbling, as I got lost in my neighborhood. The music transported me and revealed beauty in the surroundings I normally rushed past during my “busy, busy” day. It literally made me stop and smell the roses.
My newfound love also inspired me to explore instrumental music from different cultures I never would have appreciated before. If you’re feeling the need to relax or want something breezy to compliment your meditation, these core programs are a great match for similar sounds: Zen, Aura, Moodscapes, Earthtones or Tranquility.
Below are a couple of my favorites in the genre to listen to:
“Ascend” – Ken Elkinson
“Delight” – Haruka Nakamura
“Garden” – Akira Kosemura
“Sous l’eau” – Alexandra Streliski
– Submitted by Tristan Bolden, Music Design