Sound and melody have a special connection to the brain through their vibrational frequencies and can be an effective stress-relief tool. Many genres of music offer benefits to physiological functions, lowering blood pressure, slowing heart rate, and limiting the activity of the stress hormone (cortisol). However, choosing the right type of music to promote a relaxed and positive mood isn't something everyone pays attention to. Based on suggestions from several sources...influencers- Influencers in many fields, here are some types of music that have "healing" properties, helping you maintain a positive mindset during this time.

Have you ever felt refreshed, your mind at ease, peaceful, and all your worries seem to vanish when you hear the gentle sound of waves lapping against the shore, the babbling of water in a stream, or the rustling of leaves in the wind?

Photographer Thien Minh suggests music associated with natural sounds such as: the sound of streams, the sound of burning fires, the sound of rain... These sounds bring a sense of peace, helping to relax and improve concentration at work. According to researchers, sounds from nature have the ability to restore psychology; they change the brain's cognitive mechanisms and reduce the natural "fight or flight" instinct in humans.

Recently, nature sounds combined with meditation have become a popular method for healing the soul. If you search using keywords:healing music, relaxing music, soothing music, stress relief music…On YouTube, there will be a series of videos ranging from 1 to 6 hours, featuring soothing instrumental music combined with natural sounds of birdsong, flowing water, wind, temple bells, etc. You can listen to them to create a relaxing atmosphere while working from home, practicing yoga, or simply to help you fall asleep.

Belonging to the 90s generation, photographer Thien Minh is not only famous for his contemporary, very "Asian," very Vietnamese-inspired photo series, but he is also loved for his aesthetically pleasing and energetic lifestyle. On his personal social media pages, Thien Minh frequently shares with his followers his peaceful, "green" lifestyle.

During social distancing, worries about health and material things greatly affect mood, making people easily irritable and frustrated. Listening to meditation music can help you find peace amidst the chaos.

Although meditation music is not yet truly widespread globally today, for Buddhists, it is a valuable resource.Zen living practiceYoga practitioners are often very familiar with this style and consider it an effective "calming medicine" without side effects.

Travel blogger Nhi Dang is one of the young people who love this genre. She introduces several meditation music pieces that bring positive effects to the mood, such as: Plum Village meditation songs, yoga meditation music, music by Joe Hisaishi...

Not unfamiliar to the young travel-loving community, Nhi Dang is one of the first female travel bloggers willing to give up a stable job to choose to travel to all the places she wants. Besides that, recently, Nhi Dang has also become an inspiration for positive living, vegetarianism, and meditation. On her personal page, she often shares meditation exercises, meditation music, and vegetarian recipes for her daily menu.

Nam ThiA poetry practitioner shared: "Speaking of music for tranquility, I often listen to children's music, because for me, the pinnacle of children's art is to purify childhood and move adults."

At first glance, it might seem a bit strange to suggest that children's music has a healing effect on people's emotions, but it is precisely the simplicity and unpretentiousness of the melodies and lyrics that makes us feel comfortable and relaxed. In particular, children's songs recorded before 1975 are timeless creations with profound artistic and spiritual value. In the memories of many generations, listening to these songs again evokes nostalgia for childhood, recalling the innocence and carefree spirit of their own youth.

As someone passionate about poetry and art, Nam Thi shared that he was drawn to children's songs from the last century, partly because the lyrics were often poems set to music. He believes that poetry acts as a "lifeline" for inner turmoil and touches people's emotions. In this regard, Nam Thi suggested several songs that help create a more cheerful and peaceful mood, such as: "Bringing Food to Mother Working in the Fields," "You Are a Little Rose," "I Walk Amidst the Golden Sea," "Going to School," "For My Child," etc.

Writer Nguyen Qui Duc suggests listening to the Blues music of African artists. While we are usually familiar with American Blues, Folk, or Jazz melodies, African Blues would be a unique and unexpectedly "useful" experience.

This genre of music is a synthesis of African labor songs and folk music originating from the late 19th century. Although the term "Blues" is an abbreviation of "Blue Devils," implying melancholy and sadness, Blues music is an indispensable part of African life, whether working or playing. They use chants to communicate in the fields and labor songs to maintain a rhythm of work. Therefore, the melodies of these songs bring a sense of exhilaration, boosting positive spirits and hope for better things.

African blues music is also associated with the freedom of enslaved people, so the melodies of this genre reflect a sense of wanderlust and freedom. The songs often incorporate sounds of nature such as wind and birdsong, and are usually performed in vast open spaces like deserts and fields… All these elements will help your mind "wander" despite the lockdown.

Nguyen Qui Duc is an international writer and journalist; he is also the owner of...Tadioto: art, bar & events- a familiar stop for art lovers visiting Hanoi. At Tadioto, Mr. Duc shares, introduces, and connects culture and music from guest artists to the audience. Having also spent a lot of time living in Morocco, Mr. Duc has a particular fondness for and deep understanding of the culture and music of this North African region.

In reality, not everyone appreciates the same genre of music. Musical preferences vary widely, so only you can decide what kind of music you want to listen to. Prioritize music that brings you a sense of closeness and comfort, making you feel soothed, understood, and calmer.

And remember, all methods will become meaningless if you remain fixated on your own thoughts and don't actively try to relax your mind. When your mind ignores the melody and stubbornly clings to negative thoughts and anxieties, then no matter what music you listen to, it will all be like water flowing and clouds drifting by; your mental illness will not be cured.