Go ahead, turn up the smooth jazz -- but hit the pause button once in a while, too.

Music can significantly impact your blood pressure and heart and respiratory rates, as well as your soul. Not surprisingly, music with a fast beat excites, while slow rhythms soothe. But nothing is as relaxing as silence. Researchers found that even after listening to the mellowest music, a pause from the surrounding sound produced the most relaxation, even more than 5 minutes of quiet meditation.

It doesn't matter what kind of music you enjoy: classical, rap, rock, or jazz. Not only can the right sounds give you pleasure, but they also can elevate your mood, relax your muscles, and help reduce overall stress. But once the player stops, the mental effects subside, resulting in even greater relaxation than before you popped in the CD or switched on your iPod. So the next time you're feeling blah or tense, hit the play button -- but don't forget to pause.