Anxiety... it’s something we can all agree on as one of the most unpleasant feelings. The challenge, however, is that it’s often difficult to pinpoint the underlying emotion or situation causing it.

Anxiety isn’t a new phenomenon—Hippocrates mentioned it as far back as the fourth century BCE, Søren Kierkegaard addressed it in the 1860s, and Sigmund Freud wrote about it in 1926. In today’s world, however, with the constant bombardment of information through social media, it’s no wonder that so many young people are struggling with it.

Pharmaceutical drugs are commonly prescribed for anxiety, and they remain a significant revenue source for the pharmaceutical industry. Others approach the issue holistically, turning to yoga, meditation, massage, and exercise. Interestingly, music therapy has also shown promise. Recent research from neuroscientists in the U.K. has uncovered a song that results in an impressive 65% reduction in overall anxiety levels.

Anxiety and Generation Y

Over 40 million adults in the U.S. (19.1%) suffer from an anxiety disorder. Additionally, approximately 7% of children aged 3–17 face anxiety-related issues annually. Most individuals develop symptoms before reaching the age of 21.

Marjorie Wallace, CEO of the charity Sane, believes that Generation Y (those born in the 1980s and 1990s) is an age marked by desperation. "Growing up has always been tough, but this sense of desperation? That’s something new," she says.

In Anxiety: The Epidemic Sweeping Through Generation Y, Rachael Dove explores why this generation is so affected by anxiety:

“What’s behind this? Psychologists suggest that the rise of technology, overly protective parenting, and exam-focused schooling are major contributors. Another factor, mentioned by both my peers and psychologists, is the paradox of too much choice—what some might consider a luxury."

Pieter Kruger, a London-based psychologist, points out that research shows people who feel they have fewer choices tend to be more resilient. This is because, when options are limited, individuals can blame others if they make a poor decision. In contrast, with so many choices in today's world, we are forced to take full responsibility for every decision, which can lead to anxiety. "We become more obsessive because we want to make the right decision every time," Kruger says.

Writer Claire Eastham reflects this sentiment on her blog We Are All Mad Here:
“I spend a lot of time worrying about what I’m going to do with my life. Previous generations didn’t have this issue; their choices were limited, which took the pressure off."

These days, even making simple decisions—like what to eat—can trigger anxiety. With so many options, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. Take, for example, how often people stress over a seemingly simple decision, like choosing a pair of shoes. What should be a straightforward choice turns into a “life decision.”

The Rise of FOMO and Social Media Anxiety

Another modern cause of anxiety is FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out), fueled largely by social media. As we scroll through picture-perfect lifestyles on Instagram or Facebook—smiling faces, beach selfies, seemingly perfect lives—we can’t help but compare ourselves to others, often leading to feelings of inadequacy.

“FOMO is a very real phenomenon that can become addictive and significantly affect anxiety levels and overall wellbeing,” says Kruger.

Social media intensifies our tendency to compare ourselves, not just with our friends but also with celebrities. Research has shown that time spent on social media can increase depression in individuals who frequently compare themselves to others.

Beyond damaging our mental health through comparison, neuroscientists have also found that listening to a specific piece of music can significantly reduce anxiety levels.

The Creation of the Ultimate Anti-Stress Music

In a study, participants were tasked with solving difficult puzzles while being monitored by sensors. They listened to a variety of songs, and researchers measured their heart rate, brain activity, blood pressure, and breathing patterns.

The results were astounding: one particular song, Weightless, led to a remarkable 65% reduction in overall anxiety and a 35% decrease in their typical physiological resting rates.

Created by Marconi Union, Weightless was composed in collaboration with sound therapists who selected specific harmonies, rhythms, and bass lines. These elements work together to slow the listener’s heart rate and blood pressure while reducing stress hormones like cortisol.

Given how effective the song was at inducing calm, lead researcher Dr. David Lewis-Hodgson advises against listening to it while driving due to its potential to induce relaxation too deeply.

But don’t just take their word for it—hear it for yourself: