In a recent study, participants were exposed to stressful stimuli and then allowed to relax with either classical music or in silence. The participants whose relaxation phase included listening to classical music reported a greater calming effect than the participants who relaxed in silence.

Stress is a complex set of physiological and psychological reactions. When we are stressed, our bodies release a flood of adrenaline, cortisone, and other stress hormones that induce physiological changes. Blood races to the brain and heart and moves away from the kidneys, liver, stomach, and skin. Our blood sugar levels rise, as do the amounts of fats and cholesterol in our bloodstream. Chronic stress alters the immune responses, which causes a decrease in the production of beneficial disease-fighting cells. Chronic stress also raises blood pressure and causes arterial aging.