Stress relief music has a profound effect on our minds and bodies. Listening to soothing music can ease physical tension and mental anxiety, slow breathing and heartbeat and lower blood pressure. The accompanying relaxed state is highly beneficial to health and well-being.

It is not a mystery that music influences our emotions and state of mind. The fact that music has such a strong impact on us is usually taken for granted. We tend not to think about it. We just know it does.

Exactly how does stress relief music bring about relaxation? The answers may be surprising.

· Slows heart rate and breathing - When you listen to a piece of music you are fond of, your mood immediately changes. When hearing such a song, do you find yourself excitedly saying, "Oh, I love that song"! What happens when you hear a peaceful, slow song that is soothing to you? You relax, tension slides from your body and your mind quiets. This occurs because stress relief music slows heart rate and breathing. As long as beat of the music is slow and steady, your heart rate and breathing will relax into the musical piece.

· Influences brain waves - In a relaxed state, brain wave frequency is alpha. Listening to stress relief music actually influences our brain function by changing brain wave frequency. During times of stress, brain waves are beta or theta which are higher frequency. The brain actually moves toward the frequency it is experiencing. If you listen to relaxing music, especially if it is intertwined with binaural alpha tones, anxiety will ease and tension will be released.

· Lowers stress hormones - Stress relief music is being used more and more by doctors and practitioners. Studies have found when patients listen to their favorite music during a procedure, they have lowered stress hormones in their bloodstreams. The reason is music relaxes the body and calms anxiety. Many dentists use music to ease the pain and anxiety of their patients. Massage therapists, reiki practitioners, acupuncturists and hypnotists use music to aid relaxation and healing of their patients. When stress hormones are lowered through relaxation, healing is enhanced and optimized.

It is quite amazing the impact music has on our mood, emotions and brain function. The beauty of stress relief music is that it is an easy, enjoyable way to relax and unwind. You can listen to relaxing music just about anywhere. It is a wonderful tool for easing stress and promoting healing.