![]() |
Media centre /
Press releaseMUSIC IS BRITS’ TOP STRESS-BUSTER 27 April 2006
An increasing number of stressed Brits are tuning into music, especially classical, to help relieve their tension, and other cultural pursuits are also on the rise as ways of easing the pressure of daily life, according to new research from National Savings and Investments (NS&I). What do you do to help combat stress?
M = men, W = women While the majority of people choose to calm themselves in music, growing numbers of both men and women are choosing to sweat out the stress or seek solace in books and television, not just for entertainment, but as a way of battling their anxiety. And with just under a third of people surveyed listening to the soothing, calming sounds of classical music while driving (31% in 2006, 26% in 2005), those people who listen to classical music to de-stress could also be calmer, safer drivers. The highest percentage of in-car classical music listeners is among men – considered to be more aggressive drivers than women – up to 34% this year from 28% in 2005. When do you listen to classical music?
M = men, W = women Controlling stress with music Renowned psychologist, Donna Dawson, said: “Although one way to combat stress is by burning it off through physical exercise, another way is to take the mind off the stressful situation by reading, watching TV, or by listening to classical music. With the mind thus distracted, the body has a chance to calm itself down. “Classical music has the added advantage of actively soothing the mind, through the harmonious blending of many instruments at a tempo and volume that is not jarring. “The research reveals that male drivers, who may be more competitive and aggressive, are becoming more aware of the stress caused by driving. However, they are also more prepared to seek out a self-help remedy to help them drive more safely. To this end, male drivers are increasingly turning to, and tuning into, the calming benefits of classical music.” Simon Bates, host of the Classic FM morning show, added: “It’s great to see that more people are choosing classical music to help them relax and beat their stress. Classical music has always been known for its calming qualities and there’s now evidence to show that it is growing in popularity, not just as a form of entertainment, but also as a way of helping people tackle their day to day lives.” Classical BRIT Awards 2006 National Savings and Investments is the sole sponsor of this year’s Classical BRIT Awards, which recognise the talent and achievements of classical artists. The Classical BRIT Awards 2006 will be held on 4 May 2006 at the Royal Albert Hall and will feature performances by the internationally acclaimed tenor, Placido Domingo, and other performances by Dame Kiri Te Kanawa and ‘popera’ superstar Vittorio Grigolo. ENDS Notes to editors Survey carried out by TNS Phonebus among 1,019 GB adults aged 16+ between 7 and 9 April 2006. ITV1 will be broadcasting The Classical BRIT Awards show on Sunday 14 May at 11pm. National Savings and Investments is one of the largest savings organisations in the UK, offering a range of savings and investments products to 26 million customers. All products offer 100% capital security, because they are backed by HM Treasury. NS&I has sponsored the Classic FM Morning Show since February 2002, and The Classical BRIT Awards since 2004. The BRIT Trust The BRIT in the title of The Classical BRIT Awards originates from the British Record Industry Trust. The Classical BRIT Awards is a charity event and donates its proceeds to the BRIT Trust each year. The BRIT Awards is the only UK show where all the proceeds are donated to charity. Millions have been raised over the years for its beneficiaries: The BRIT School for Performing Arts and Technology and Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy. Over 7,000 young people have been given free education and the opportunity to enter the school since its opening in 1991 and more than 10,000 children and adults have been helped by the phenomenal music therapy work carried out by Nordoff-Robbins. The BPI The BPI (British Phonographic Industry) is the trade association representing the UK recording industry. It counts among its members over 300 record companies representing around 90% of recorded music sales in the UK. The BPI works to protect and promote the interests of its members. Among its activities are campaigning against music piracy, compiling the industry’s official research and statistics, lobbying the media and Government and organising The BRIT Awards and The Classical BRIT Awards with National Savings and Investments.
Media team The numbers below are for media use only. Customers wishing to contact NS&I can find details here.
|
Search |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||

