Relaxing music, often referred to as calming, soothing, or meditative music, is a broad genre designed specifically to alleviate stress, reduce anxiety, and promote a state of tranquility in the listener.
This type of music typically features:
Slow to Moderate Tempo: Often around 60 to 80 beats per minute, which can help sync brainwaves to an alpha state—associated with a relaxed but conscious mind.
Minimal or No Lyrics: This prevents the music from engaging the language-processing parts of the brain, minimizing distraction and allowing for greater mental rest.
Predictable and Subtle Dynamics: The volume and intensity remain steady, avoiding sudden, jarring changes that could increase arousal or stress.
Harmonious Instrumentation: It often relies on gentle, acoustic, or ethereal instruments like piano, strings, flutes, or ambient electronic pads to create a soft, continuous background.