After lots of in-depth research, a new study has officially revealed what is claimed to be the “most relaxing song” in the world.
The song, which is titled Weightless by Marconi Union, has been found to reduce blood pressure, slow the heart rate and decrease levels of cortisol, reports The Manc.
The song can even make people feel so relaxed that they become drowsy and can even fall asleep, according to the study by shower gel brand Radox Spa.
And now, they’re warning motorists not to listen to it behind the wheel as it could be dangerous.
Not only that, but the eight-minute piece of music was even found to be more relaxing than heading out for a walk, having a massage, or sipping a cup of tea.
During the research project, a group of participating women were given puzzles to complete in an allotted amount of time in order to increase their stress levels, and then, after completing the puzzles, they were played a number of different songs to essentially calm them down.
Image: RAC
While the songs were being played, the participants’ heart rates, blood pressure, and breathing were monitored by scientists.
Once all the research was complete, the study eventually found that ‘Weightless’ was 11% more effective than the other songs – with a reduction in anxiety levels by 65%, and even making some of the participants “drowsy”.
“The results clearly show that the track induced the greatest relaxation,” explained Dr David Lewis-Hodgson, who conducted the research.
“Brain imaging studies have shown that music works at a very deep level within the brain, stimulating not only those regions responsible for processing sound, but also ones associated with emotions, and in fact, Weightless was so effective, many women became drowsy.”
Due to the drowsy nature of the song, Dr Lewis-Hodgson said he would “advise against driving while listening to the song” as he believes it could be “dangerous.”
The reason the song is so relaxing, though, isn’t quite as coincidental as it may initially seem.
The song can even make people so relaxed, they become drowsy and may even fall asleep / Credit: Gregory Pappas (via Unsplash)
The band actually admitted to working with sound therapists on the track, and used pianos, guitars, chimes, and buddhist chants to create the melody.
Speaking on how the song was created, Lyz Cooper – founder of the British Academy of Sound Therapy – added: “The song makes use of many musical principles that have been shown to individually have a calming effect, and by combining these elements in the way Marconi Union have, has created the perfect relaxing song.
“The study found this to be the world’s most relaxing song.”
Ms Cooper explained that the song is so relaxing as it contains a sustaining rhythm that starts at 60 beats per minute and gradually slows to around 50, so while listening to it, your heart rate gradually comes to match that beat – which is known as entrainment.
She also explained that the duration of the song being eight minutes in length is “important” as it generally takes about five minutes for this process to occur.
On top of that, Ms Cooper also added that the songs has no repeating melody throughout, which essentially allows your brain to completely switch off because you are no longer trying to predict what is coming next.
Fancy seeing what the crack is then? You can listen to it here – but just not in the car.
She's big, she's green and she's ready to ruin your figure.
A lot of you will have seen the viral ‘Bertha’ cake by Leeds born beloved sweet treat specialists Get Baked.
They recently opened another site in Manchester's Northern Quarter, where queues literally formed round the block of hungry punters wanting to get their hands on the infamous sugary treats.
And now it's going to happen all over again, as they've recently unveiled their newest flavour which is sure to go down a storm.
We’ll give you a hint: it’s a current food and drink trend that’s about as big as Bertha herself – it’s not matcha, it’s not hot honey (duh), and it’s not Guinness…
Images: Get Baked
Yes—scratch that; HELL YES!Get Baked is set to welcome Bertha’s equally beautiful twin sister, and she’s officially a pistachio girlie.
Having started out life simply as ‘Bruce’, after taking inspiration from the iconic scene from Matilda, this thing has become a phenomenon in its own right, and who doesn’t like more flavours of a good thing?
Probably one of the biggest foodie crazes going at the minute, thanks to the popularity of pistachio cream, cookies, lattes and the similar social media sensation that is the ‘Dubai Pistachio Bar' people are rather fittingly going nuts for this particular flavour of almost absolutely anything.
With that in mind, the Leeds-born bakery and dessert shop – founded by Rich Myers over in Headingley back in 2011 – have shown no hesitation in hopping on the bandwagon and creating a new twist on their own viral menu item.
Teasing the full details in a post on their Instagram this week, they wrote: “What’s big, green, and is going to destroy your life in a couple of weeks’ time? Pistachio Bertha. Strictly limited to 5,000 slices. Coming oh so soon. GB.”
In case you were wondering just how mad those with a sweet tooth could possibly go for a slice of cake, just look at the recent queues when they finally launched in Manchester city centre:
Speaking on the grand opening here on our turf and his partner Amy’s hometown, Myers said simply: “Manchester, what a launch. Thanks for much for the warm welcome. Stay baked.”
Leeds Tattoo Expo to return to the First Direct Arena for 10th anniversary
Clementine Hall
The tenth annual Leeds Tattoo Expo will showcase some of the best in tattooing both local and internationally.
If you fancy getting yourself a fancy new bit of ink, then look no further than the iconic Leeds Tattoo Expo that will be returning to the First Direct Arena this June.
Taking place on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 June 2025, over 200 tattooists and 70 traders will be flocking to the city to show off their skills.
And not only that, but there’ll also be a whole host of market traders for you to browse as well as live music to have a boogie to.
The artists will be tattooing with options for both pre-booked appointments and walk ups available throughout the weekend.
Image: Leeds Tattoo Expo
There will also be a piercer, tooth gems and a henna artist ready to adorn your body.
Alongside getting tattooed, there’s plenty to do and to see over the whole weekend; there'll be an alternative drawing class, an illustrators market with kids’ workshops provided by Art Gecko, an art fusion event on the main stage, burlesque performances and competitions, a small vintage clothing pop-up, fire breathing and break dancing demonstrations in the square outside the arena.
The annual tattoo competitions will also be taking place each evening, where tattooists showcase their work to a panel of judges, sponsored by Killer Ink!
To celebrate Leeds Tattoo Expo's tenth anniversary, they'll be hosting a Pre-Party at Belgrave Music Hall on Thursday 5 June which is a completely free entry event complete with live music and free pizza.
You can find out more about the event and book your tickets here via the First Direct Arena's website.
Emily Sergeant -
13th December 2022 
