Hugh: Study Shows Listening to Music Daily Lowers Pandemic Stress

A study of 711 people found that listening to music reduced stress during the pandemic. “Music listening was also significantly associated with improved mood, particularly for those with elevated chronic stress during the pandemic,” study authors from the University of Vienna said. The study asked participants to provide data while strict lockdown measures were in place. Listening to music lowered stress an average of 8%, and boosted mood by up to 90%. Does the type of music matter? Previous research has shown fast songs can help people feel more alert, and slower tempos can quiet the mind.