Listen to a babbling brook instead of music!
Birds chirping, a mountain stream, the sounds of a waterfall or leaves rustling in the wind; the sounds of nature are pleasant to listen to. But what is it about nature sounds that makes them so relaxing?
Research
For decades, people have been trying to figure out why nature sounds are so relaxing. But now, a new study has found exactly what the appeal is. Researchers used brain scans and heart-rate monitors to investigate the physical response to nature sounds in participants. And they found that nature sounds can quite literally be relaxing.
Results
The people who listened to nature sounds were more likely to focus their attention on external things instead of worrying or overthinking (a more internal focus). The participants heart rates also slightly changed and the response of the body’s sympathetic nervous system, the system that gets your body ready for action, decreased. Meanwhile, the body’s parasympathetic nervous system, the system that helps your body relax and calm down, showed an increase in response. Especially people who were already feeling stressed experienced the biggest benefits from listening to nature sounds. But lead author Cassandra Gould van Praag, research fellow at the University of Sussex, said that she recommends everyone to listen to nature sounds. She told Health: “I would definitely recommend a walk in natural surroundings to anyone, whether they’re currently feeling frazzled or not. Even a few minutes of escape could be beneficial.”
So next time when you’re feeling stressed, put on some nature sounds instead of your usual beats. You will feel more relaxed because of it and that will improve your sleep and focus too!
Also read: This is why you should go for a walk after every meal
Source: Health | Image: Unsplash, Jeffrey Workman