20 songs from the 1960s that can reduce your stress instantly
- - 20 songs from the 1960s that can reduce your stress instantly
Ricardo RamirezJanuary 14, 2026 at 12:56 AM
0
20 songs from the 1960s that can reduce your stress instantly
The 1960s produced timeless music with remarkable stress-reducing qualities. Songs with slower tempos, gentle melodies, and soothing harmonies can lower heart rate and reduce cortisol levels. These twenty classics combine therapeutic elements with artistic brilliance.
Valerii Apetroaiei / iStock
Here Comes the Sun by The Beatles
George Harrison wrote this optimistic anthem, escaping tense meetings. Gentle acoustic guitar and hopeful lyrics create an instant mood lift.
Andrii Zastrozhnov / iStock
Bridge Over Troubled Water by Simon & Garfunkel
Art Garfunkel’s ethereal vocals float over gospel-inspired piano. The arrangement activates reward centers while slowing heart rates.
MalaikaCasal / iStock
What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong
Armstrong’s warm voice with uplifting lyrics creates profound peace. Hope triggers positive responses that reduce stress hormones.
Image Credit: tkpond/iStock
The Sound of Silence by Simon & Garfunkel
Paul Simon’s haunting melody creates meditative states while encouraging mindful listening.
Image Credit: EyeEm Mobile GmbH/Istockphoto.
California Dreamin’ by The Mamas & The Papas
Folk-rock harmonies transport listeners mentally. The dreamy quality activates the parasympathetic nervous system.
Image Credit: :DutchScenery / iStock.
Yesterday by The Beatles
McCartney’s ballad with a string quartet became history’s most covered song. Sad music paradoxically reduces stress.
Image Credit: Rawpixel/Istockphoto.
Scarborough Fair by Simon & Garfunkel
This traditional English ballad features hypnotic guitar creating trance-like states.
Image Credit: VNagornyi/istockphoto.
Moon River by Andy Williams
Mancini’s wistful melody features a waltz tempo that slows the heart rate.
Image Credit: VNagornyi/istockphoto.
Daydream by The Lovin’ Spoonful
This feel-good folk-rock tune embodies relaxation. Mental escape reduces perceived stress.
Image Credit: Rawpixel/istockphoto.
Imagine by John Lennon
Lennon’s peaceful anthem features simple piano and hopeful messages. Its slow tempo induces meditative states.
Vinyl Records
Vinyl Records
At Last by Etta James
James’ tender vocals over lush orchestration trigger oxytocin release, reducing anxiety.
Image Credit: VNagornyi/istockphoto.
Both Sides Now by Joni Mitchell
Mitchell’s introspective lyrics encourage reflection. The gentle melody naturally lowers blood pressure.
Image Credit: CarlosAndreSantos/iStock
Suzanne by Leonard Cohen
Cohen’s hypnotic vocals create intimate intoxication. The meditative quality quiets anxious thoughts.
Image credit: DWPhotos / iStock
I Got You Babe by Sonny & Cher
This duet’s gentle harmonies reduce loneliness-related stress through warmth and sincerity.
Image Credit: gorodenkoff / iStock
500 Miles by Peter, Paul and Mary
The melancholic melody creates meditative trances. Minimalist arrangements focus attention.
Image Credit: DepositPhotos.com.
My Girl by The Temptations
The Motown classic’s gentle rhythm lifts spirits. Positive lyrics trigger serotonin release.
Image Credit: Rohapp.
The Girl from Ipanema by Stan Getz & Astrud Gilberto
This bossa nova classic’s relaxed groove transports listeners. The gentle rhythm slows heart rate.
Image Credit: Wavebreakmedia/Istockphoto.
Turn! Turn! Turn! by The Byrds
Seeger’s biblical adaptation features jangly guitars. The message about life’s seasons provides perspective.
Image Credit: alvarez.
For What It’s Worth by Buffalo Springfield
Stills’ mellow protest song features hypnotic guitar. The gentle delivery creates contemplative calm.
Image Credit: Jacob Wackerhausen/istockphoto.
All You Need Is Love by The Beatles
This psychedelic pop anthem delivers simple truth. The universal message reduces stress by reminding listeners what matters.
Image Credit: MediaFeed / DALL·E 3.
The bottom line
These twenty songs combine artistic excellence with therapeutic qualities. Music with slower tempos, gentle melodies, and positive lyrics significantly reduces stress hormones while promoting relaxation. Create a playlist featuring these classics whenever you need peace through timeless music.
Related:
8 popular ’80s songs that take us back
Are these the most overrated Beatles songs of all time?
Like MediaFeed’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was syndicated by MediaFeed.org.
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
