If you’ve ever felt noticeably more relaxed in the wilderness, there’s a good reason. Nature sounds – think birds chirping, rainfall and ocean waves – have been proven to have a calming effect on both the mind and body.
Listening to these sounds can actually help to reduce stress, enhance sleep, improve focus and lower blood pressure. Here are just a few reasons to get out in nature…
Reduces Stress and Anxiety
In addition to lowering cortisol (the stress hormone), nature sounds help to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps the body relax and recover from tension. The best sounds for this are flowing water sounds like rain or waterfalls, which are both rhythmic and soothing.
Improves Focus and Productivity
Compared to the sounds you find in a city, natural sounds are non-distracting, making them the perfect soundtrack for when you need to focus. Sounds like birds chirping, rustling leaves or wind act like white noise, blocking out any distractions.
Better Sleep
Not only do nature sounds help mask more disruptive sounds (like dogs barking), they also help you to fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer by creating a sense of calm and safety. This helps lull the brain into a deep sleep, which is essential for quality rest.
Lower Blood Pressure
When you hear calming nature sounds, your body automatically reduces your blood pressure and lowers your heart rate. Just a few minutes of listening to nature sounds can change your nervous system from ‘fight or flight’ to ‘rest and digest’.
Improved Mood and Mental Health
Listening to nature sounds increases your dopamine and serotonin levels, which then leads to feeling relaxed and happy. It can also reduce feelings of loneliness. The next time you’re feeling down, try listening to some rainforest sounds, or better yet, get out in nature!
With our lives now busier and more stressful than ever, there’s never been a better time to get outside and be one with nature. Make it a goal to step into the great outdoors and embrace all that nature has to offer as often as you can. It could be an afternoon spent in the garden, a walk through a local park or a hike on a nature trail. Whatever it is, just make it happen! Your health will thank you for it.
