If you experience anxiety, you know it doesn’t always strike in convenient places—especially if you plan to soothe your symptoms through music. You might not have access to a slick pair of headphones or your perfectly curated vinyl collection. But some argue that, if you’re able to utilize sound therapeutically, the right track could help.
Strangers on the Internet have shared some of their favorite songs to help soften a panic attack. And though these are the opinions of regular people, not medical professionals—and should be approached with that disclaimer in mind—they’re interesting nonetheless.
Enigma – “Return to Innocence”
There are various Reddit threads about this subject, with some tailored to specific genres and others wide open stylistically. One OP sought suggestions to help with their “constant panic attacks,” as they find it helpful to “sync [their] breathing” to the music. (They were aiming to avoid songs that are “too upbeat,” as those would worsen their attack.) The top response was a vote for Enigma’s 1993 new-age hit “Return to Innocence,” which weaves R&B-pop hooks with airy synth pads, booming drums, and Amis chants.
“Enigma has a few good tunes for feeling calm,” one user wrote. “‘Return to Innocence’ is one.” Someone replied, “Yess!! Enigma is a great anxiety relief tool.”
The Cure – “Alone”
In a different thread, The Cure earned a nod for their 2024 epic “Alone”—that is, “if you want to reach into the depths.” This atmospheric epic has a slow tempo and patient build, stretching out across seven minutes of icy, dream-sequence keyboards and mutilated bass.
Radiohead – “Give Up the Ghost”
Similarly slow but perhaps even more soothing, there’s Radiohead’s “Give Up the Ghost,” a flurry of fragile guitars and looped vocal harmonies. It’s a highlight from the band’s 2011 LP, The King of Limbs, and, I’d argue, one of the most beautiful moments in their discography. (I’m a Radiohead fan, so I don’t make that claim lightly.)
Steve Roach – “Structures From Silence”
Another compelling choice is “Structures From Silence,” a meditative 29-minute piece by English ambience architect Steve Roach. One user took that recommendation and responded with gratitude: “This night has been really difficult, I can’t sleep and am feeling restless, panicky, etc.,” they wrote. “This song is making me feel so at peace, thank you. Makes me feel so little and insignificant in the best way possible, that my judgements don’t matter and nothing does. I feel so peaceful. Thank you.”
Marconi Union – “Weightless”
One song that pops up repeatedly on these threads—and with good reason—is “Weightless,” the drowsy 2011 instrumental by English ambient group Marconi Union. Commissioned by Radox Spa and created “under guidance of professional sound practitioner Lyz Cooper,” the song was created specifically to relax listeners and lower their heart rates.
Turns out they were very, very effective: Market research firm Mindlab International conducted a study where participants completed difficult puzzles while having their brain activity monitored. Music was played during the experiment, and “Weightless” resulted in a 65% stress reduction. (It’s now widely described as “the world’s most relaxing song.”)
Again, it’s crucial to remember that Reddit is not a doctor’s office. It’s worth consulting WebMD’s article about “Ways to Stop a Panic Attack,” which includes suggestions like getting your breathing under control, keeping your mind in the present, and practicing “progressive relaxation.”
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