After lots of extensive research, a new study has officially discovered what is claimed to be the “most relaxing song” in the world.
And now, they’re warning motorists not to listen to it behind the wheel.
The song, which is titled Weightless by Marconi Union, has been found to reduce blood pressure, slow the heart rate, decrease levels of cortisol – also known as the stress hormone – and can even make people so relaxed, they become drowsy and can even fall asleep, according to the study by shower gel brand Radox Spa.
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.
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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”.
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Scientists discover the world’s most relaxing song, but warn not to listen to it while driving / Credit: RAC
“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.”
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The reason the song is so relaxing, though, isn’t quite as coincidental as it may initially seem.
The band actually admitted to working with sound therapists on the track, and used pianos, guitars, chimes, and buddhist chants to create the melody.
The song can even make people so relaxed, they become drowsy and may even fall asleep / Credit: Gregory Pappas (via Unsplash)
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.
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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.
Behind the historic doors of the £3.75m Cheshire country house with a ‘triple-height’ swimming pool hall
Emily Sergeant
A historic country house in Cheshire with far-reaching panoramic views has just gone on the market this month.
And if you happen to have £3.75 million you’re willing to part with, then it could be yours.
Now, of course, as we always mention before we write about these stunning homes, it goes without saying that the vast majority of us won’t have this kind of money just chilling in bank accounts right now, but if like us, you’ve got no shame in admitting you love looking at houses you can’t afford in places you’ll probably never live, then allow us to introduce you to this absolute beauty.
This is Wicksted Hall – a distinguished arts and crafts-style country house estate dating back to the early 1900s set amongst 12 acres of established private gardens, grounds, and paddocks.
Straddling the borders of Cheshire and Shropshire, located in the highly sought-after Whitchurch village of Wirsall, Wicksted Hall boats seven bedrooms, guest suites, a billiards room, library, media room, office suites, and so much more.
It really is no surprise estate agents describe this home as being ‘exquisite’.
Set at the end of a winding driveway, once you step foot inside the property’s grand central entrance hall you’ll be greeted by a sweeping oak staircase, oak panelling, a galleried landing, stunning fireplace… and, quite frankly, more character and charm than you shake a stick at.
This is Wicksted Hall, currently on the market for £3.75 million / Credit: Fine & Country
Some of the home’s other unique features include a bespoke Clive Christian kitchen and family room that flows out to an orangery and inner courtyard, as well as a principal suite with bespoke Clive Christian dressing room, and arts and crafts balcony, and luxurious en-suite bathroom.
Oh, and then to top it off, the true icing on the cake is the leisure suite with a triple-height swimming pool hall, frescoes, jacuzzi, changing rooms, gallery, and a service kitchen.
Honestly, ‘wow’ doesn’t even cut it.
The property boats panoramic views and a triple-height indoor swimming pool hall / Credit: Fine & County
Oh, and don’t even get us started on the outside. As we’ve already mentioned, Wickstead Hall boasts 12-acres of established private gardens and grounds with outstanding, far-reaching panoramic views over the surrounding Cheshire and Shropshire countryside… but that’s not all.
There’s an original Victorian walled kitchen garden, glass houses, a range of outbuildings, paddocks, equestrian facilities, an original pump house, and the small matter of a heli pad.
Wicksted Hall is currently on the market with the Derby branch of UK-wide prestige estate agency label, Fine & Country, for Offers in the Region of £3.75 million, and if you fancy taking a closer look, then you can contact the agents to arrange a viewing.
Or you could just take the cheaper route instead and have a nosy at the Rightmove link here.
Featured Image – Fine & Country
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Bolton’s bid for the Ryder Cup has received a big boost
Danny Jones
Bolton’s much-anticipated bid for the Ryder Cup has received an added boost of positivity and optimism, which could prove key in bringing the competition to the town.
It also starts with an improvement to local infrastructure, which it appears that the borough will benefit from, regardless of whether or not they win the bid.
Talk of Bolton throwing their hat in the ring to hopefully host the Ryder Cup first began rumbling around during the pandemic, before ramping up even further in 2023, and is now gathering a little more speed.
And a lot of it could come down to upgraded travel links in the form of an even longer-rumoured new road connecting the M61-M6 junctions, which would need to be completed in time for the tournament – along with a fresh big golf course, too.
A bid is being prepared for Bolton to host the Ryder Cup in 2035. Previously, there was an option to hold it in 2031. The golf course would be built on the Hulton Park estate near Westhoughton. This is what the ancient parkland looks like now ..https://t.co/Bie8ikyEkppic.twitter.com/Y3Dq8MFfLk
While the plans to transform the land around Hulton Park have been in the pipeline for some time, the case for creating easier routes between Bolton, Wigan and the surrounding area was pitched as far back as the post-WWII period.
As for the Ryder Cup itself, it hasn’t been hosted in England for decades; the last time an associated event was held was in 2002 at Warwickshire, and it goes without saying that it would be a huge win not just for Greater Manchester but the North in general.
In fact, the wider masterplan that makes up part of the bid doesn’t just include the new £70 million link road, but also feeds into GM’s overall Good Growth Fund, which looks set to almost double thanks to more investment in the National Wealth Fund.
Put simply, the sum of around £2bn set aside for grants and funding across the country – including Bolton’s 2035 Ryder Cup bid – could see huge revenues brought in.
Regarding Bolton, were they to clinch from competitors like the London Golf Club in Sevenoaks, over in Kent and Luton Hoo Hotel and Spa in Bedfordshire, it’s estimated that it could generate more than £1.2bn for the local economy.
Besides a new premium golfing venue, the M61-M6 link road and the recently announced Metrolink expansion into Bolton, the regional funding allocation already factors in various bits of future property development, including more housing and subsequent job creation.
Put simply, it could be transformational for Bolton and beyond. However, it still requires them to win the bid on the basis of the GMCA, Bolton Council, developers, and other partners delivering everything promised, not to mention on time for the biennial Ryder Cup slot up for grabs.
Despite initial rejection and still plenty of pushback, Peel Land are promising three things for the land: “Restoration. Sustainability. World-class golf.”
Mayor Andy Burnham has insisted it is an opportunity not only to improve life, leisure and business in the old Lancashire stronghold, but “as well as the new jobs and tourist spend the Ryder Cup would deliver, there’s also a chance to deliver a lasting legacy.”
What do you make of the grand vision thus far, and for Boltonians, is this something you’re fully behind? Speaking of big sporting events, another one is coming up in Manchester city centre this weekend.
Emily Sergeant -
9th December 2022 
