We all encounter stress throughout the week, whether it be from work, our families or something to do with our social lives. Regardless of what the cause of your stress might be, it is very important that you look for ways to manage your stress and anxiety. Some people benefit from seeing a psychologist or therapist every now and then to discuss the root cause of their anxiety and stress, especially if it is layered and embedded in their psyche.

If seeing a professional isn’t necessarily for you or you want to explore other methods of stress reduction, then listening to music, either via chillout radio or your own personal channels, can be a great starting point. It certainly won’t cure your anxiety, but it can certainly help minimize any stress you might be encountering. So, here are the top 5 best songs to listen to when you’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed out.

#1 Someone Like You – Adele

Inspired by her own heartbreak and a broken relationship, Adele’s “Someone Like You” was a megahit when it was released in 2011. It was a part of Adele’s second studio album, “21”, which became the world’s best-selling album in 2011 and 2012. The song features only a piano and is great for someone wanting to relax to a simple melody and a great vocal performance from Adele. To top it all off, the song is the fourth best-selling single of the current century.

#2 Weightless – Marconi Union

English ambient band, Marconi Union, worked with sound therapists to devise and create “Weightless.” Unironically, the song was written for the express purpose of inducing relaxation in the listener and has been proven to reduce stress by up to 65% in some listeners. How does it work? Well, the song has a sustaining rhythm that starts at 60 beats per minute before eventually slowing to around 50. The melody is punctuated by oscillating chords that become almost hypnotic the further into the song you get. Find the piano notes for this song and hum along.

#3 Strawberry Swing – Coldplay

“Strawberry Swing” was released as the fifth single from Coldplay’s highly successful album, “Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends” (2008). The song has been praised for an infectious melody, carefree nature, and soothing vocals, thereby cementing it as one of the best modern songs to chill out to when stressed. The song was performed at the Closing Ceremony of the 2012 Summer Paralympic Games and was covered by Frank Ocean in 2011.

#4 Your Song – Elton John

Composed and performed by one of music’s all-time great performers, Elton John, “Your Song” was inducted into Grammy Hall of Fame in 1998. It later featured at #137 in Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. The song has been covered by many artists, including Ellie Goulding and Lady Gaga. The song also featured in Baz Luhrmann’s highly successful film “Moulin Rouge” and was covered by Ewan McGregor.

#5 Peaceful Easy Feeling – The Eagles

Regarded as one of the greatest bands of all time, The Eagles formed in Los Angeles in 1971. They are one of the world’s best-selling musical groups, having sold over 200 million albums. As if echoing the song’s title, “Peaceful Easy Feeling” is a great classic, rock song to relax during times of peak stress and anxiety. It was the third song from the band’s debut album and consists of a three-part harmony between Glenn Frey, Bernie Leadon, and Randy Meisner. Glenn Frey passed away in 2016, during which time the band took a temporary hiatus and reformed in 2017. The band recently announced its Hotel California 2020 Tour.