Activities: Relaxing

The perfect soundtrack of warm, acoustic songs handpicked for enjoying crisp autumn air, fall foliage, and hot apple cider.

Starting in the late 1940s, a new, more cerebral and mellower response to bebop became one of the dominant strains in jazz. Enjoy the birth, maturation and continuation of cool jazz, with an emphasis on ballads.

This playlist is the cure to a long, hard day at work; real music that's really relaxing.

Tired? Angry? Need some peace of mind? Put down whatever you're doing and enjoy some relaxing and inspiring musical moments at a nice slow tempo.

Since the late 1950s, bossa nova has entranced listeners around the world. Enjoy over five decades' worth of music from Brazil and beyond, all influenced by the languid sensuality that began on Ipanema beach.

Sleek, sophisticated, lushly arranged records full of artful elegance -- from idiosyncratic alt-pop to moody art rock and cool, classy balladry.

This playlist of mostly acoustic, guitar-based songs is perfect for long, relaxing nights in your bedroom. By yourself, or with someone special, listen to this until the sun rises.

Tie a sweater around your neck and set sail for the high seas with these smoother than smooth yacht rock classics.

A varied mix of smooth downtempo and electronic grooves handpicked for sitting by the ocean with a refreshing beverage.

An introduction to classical solo piano music, featuring the best recordings of the most important works.

This playlist features mellow indie tunes that provide the perfect soundtrack for working, studying, or just plain old relaxing.

Listen to the breeziest lite rock songs of the '70s.

Classic female blues singers from the 1920s through the '50s, from the lowdown dirty Beale Street blues to the sanctified gospel of the storefront churches.

Whether you're lounging in a hammock or soaking up rays on a summer afternoon, this eclectic mix will help you reach your full potential for relaxation.

This playlist of electro-tinged pop songs is perfect for long, relaxing nights in your bedroom. By yourself, or with someone special, listen to this until the sun rises.

If it's raining outside, you should be listening to this.

This playlist features comforting folk songs from the '60s to today, replete with warm acoustic guitars and soothing vocal harmonies.

Like Vinyasa, this playlist is both flowing and dynamic; some songs function to clear the mind while others work to energize the body. The focus here is on left-of-center acoustic and electronic songs.

The best relaxing, sleep-inducing songs for passing out and getting some zzzzzz's.

Originating in the 1950s, bossa nova (Portugese for "new trend") combined harmonies and rhythms from American jazz with Brazilian samba. Now these songs have become standard jazz repertoire.

Folk and folk-like tunes from both sides of the pond that evoke a forest setting.

Trip-Hop began in the mid-1990s when England's hip hop and house scenes converged to create a unique hybrid of downtempo electronic music.

Explore this producer-focused style of hip hop, a combination of rap and electronica.

Everyone knows that music is powerful, but did you know that it can reduce the pain of labor? Because listening to music you love can increase your body's production of pain-fighting endorphins, we made this playlist of beautiful, relaxing songs.

Put on your slippers, wrap yourself in a blanket, and get cozy by the fire.

Transport yourself to a beach, a rain forest, or a babbling brook. And relax.

Your Sunday mornings need a soundtrack. This is music for taking it easy with a newspaper and a big cup of coffee.

The islands call with this mix of hip-swaying Hawaiian classics, contemporary singers, and tunes for ukelele or slack-key guitar for that luau state of mind.

Turn any old room into a trendy cocktail lounge with this jet-setting collection of swank, laid-back grooves.

Jazz on the light and easy side, spanning the decades with plenty of mellow R&B flourishes.

Nothing helps a blue mood like hearing from someone who knows just how you feel. From the sensitive singer-songwriters of the early '70s to the gloomy indie rockers of today, this is the perfect playlist when you're in the mood to mope.

The solo piano piece is music at its most contemplative. Enjoy these works from the classical, romantic and modern eras in any setting that calls for the quiet intimacy of the pianist and his or her instrument

A sophisticated, earthy soundtrack of classical music inspired by autumn. Listen closely and you'll hear leaves changing color.

Not all electro acts aim for the dance floor. Explore the low-key, laid-back side of the style though these well-known names and under-the-radar indie acts.

Sometimes you just need some "me" time, with a good book and a cup of tea. Here's some calming classical music for your quiet moments alone.

These quiet, pensive indie-centric tunes are perfect for an overcast afternoon, either curled up at home or settled in at a cozy cafe.

Low-tempo indie tunes perfect to take your mind off being cramped up in coach, whether you're trying to fall asleep or just get into a zen-like zone.

A full orchestra is not always needed for classical music; in fact, more music has been written for intimate spaces than grand concert halls. Explore the chamber music of the great composers.

Enjoy these all (or predominantly) acoustic, unplugged songs with a distinctly wintry feel. Imagine yourself snowed in the house on a winter day, sitting by the fireplace with little to do but reflect.