Scientists Create 'World's Most Relaxing Room'

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Scientists Create 'World's Most Relaxing Room'

http://medicalnewscenter.com/out/out.cgi?

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081020

Psychologist Professor Wiseman has designed and constructed a

large-scale multi-media space that aims to calm even the most

stressed out of minds.

To help promote the University of Hertfordshire's Health and Human

Sciences Research Institute Showcase, Wiseman reviewed the scientific

research into relaxation, and has created what is being billed

as `The world's most relaxing room.'

During the Showcase, which runs from 21-24 October at the

University's de Havilland campus, groups of up to ten visitors at a

time will be invited to enter this large and unusual space, lie on

soft matting and rest their head on lavender-scented pillows. In each

fifteen minute session, people will be bathed in a calming glade-like

green light, listen to a specially composed soothing soundtrack, and

look at a completely clear artificial blue sky.

" The pace of modern-day life, credit crunch, and financial crisis is

making many people feel very stressed and so we have created this

space to help them relax " , noted Professor Wiseman.

" Research suggests that the subdued green light enhances the

production of dopamine in the brain and provide a calming sensation.

In addition, the artificial blue sky helps create a mild form of

sensory deprivation that will help them turn their attention inward

and distract them away from daily stress. "

The music that will be played during each session has been specially

composed by University of Hertfordshire Professor of Music, Tim

Blinko.

" asked me to create a piece of music with a slow and distinct

rhythm, low frequency notes, and no sudden changes in tempo " , noted

Professor Blinko. " I have completely re-written a piece especially

for this project. It features a solo soprano voice, chosen for the

soothing properties of the human voice, together with a Tibetan

singing bowl, used in meditation and a string ensemble. "

A few years ago, Wiseman headed an international study examining

walking speeds around the world, and discovered that people are

living more fast-paced and stressful lives than ever before. It is

hoped that the room will help motivate different groups of people to

combat stress, including, for example, students facing exams and

businesses wishing to lower their employees' stress-related

absenteeism.

Professor Wiseman added, " Previous work has shown that these colours,

sounds and smells all help people relax, but this is the first time

that they have been combined in this way, and it will be fascinating

to look at the effect on visitors' relaxation levels. "

The following questionnaire helps identify people who might be living

life at a pace that exacerbates stress. 5 or more `yes' responses

suggest that it might be time to take your foot off the accelerator

and slow down.

1) Do you seem to glance at your watch more than others?

2) When someone takes too long to get to the point, do you feel like

hurrying them along?

3) Are you often the first person to finish at mealtimes?

4) When walking along a street, do you often feel frustrated because

you are stuck behind others?

5) Would you become irritable if you sit for an hour without doing

anything?

6) Do you walk out of restaurants or shops if you encounter even a

short queue?

7) If you are caught in slow-moving traffic, do you seem to get more

annoyed than other drivers?

Stress busting tips:

Being stressed can increase your blood pressure, affect your ability

to concentrate, and weaken your immune system.

Those who can't make it to the world's most relaxing room might want

to try the following 10 techniques to help combat stress:

1) Head for the countryside. Research shows that spending around

thirty minutes in green and quiet surroundings will make you feel

significantly more relaxed.

2) Listen to soothing music. Listening to Vivaldi's Four Seasons, a

relaxation tape, or nature sounds lowers your blood pressure.

3) Carry out a relaxation exercise. Starting at your toes and working

upwards, spend a few moments slowly tensing, and then releasing, the

muscles of each part of your body.

4) Spend time with friends. Being with people you like helps distract

you from anxious thoughts and lifts your mood.

5) Help others. Research shows that even carrying out a small act of

kindness, such as making a donation to charity, helps improve your

mood and decreases stress.

6) Accept what you can't change. There is no point dwelling on the

past, or thinking about what can't be altered. Instead, focus on how

you can create a better future.

7) Smile more. Don't take life too seriously, and improve your

ability to cope with stressful situations by seeing the funny side of

whatever happens.

8) Use lavender. Research shows that most people find the smell of

lavender especially relaxing, and that it also helps them get a good

night's sleep.

9) Hit the gym. Exercise promotes the production of endorphins,

which, in turn, make you feel better about yourself and become more

relaxed.

10) Look at the sky. If it is a nice day, lie on the grass, look up

at a clear sky, and allow positive thoughts and images to drift

through your mind.