Why did we choose to create a playlist to reduce anxiety?

• Listening to music can reduce anxiety

• New evidence suggests that music may even be more effective than medicine created to reduce anxiety such as midazolam

• Music induces higher levels of endogenous opioids and dopamine

• Music can reduce cortisol, prevent cortisol increases, and sometimes suppress cortisol in stressful situations 

What types of music reduce anxiety?

• Classical music lowers heart rate, respiratory rate, and anxiety

  • This is especially true for pieces with a slower tempo, lower pitch, and no lyrics

  • This type of music creates a relaxing ambiance

• Nature sounds can be good for relaxation

  • EX: sounds of water, birds, and wind

• Jazz songs can decrease cortisol levels and slow the heart rate