Why natural sounds make us feel good

To be able to relax in natural surroundings is thought to have many benefits for our health, state of mind and our emotions. Just play the clip while you read this and notice how it changes your mood. It’s also known that the sounds of nature aid concentration. It seems there are many psychological, physical and biological reasons why we should get back to nature to help us unwind.

Stress in the city

Gabriel Moser, an environmental psychologist in Paris, conducted research that concluded that city life and high-density environments reduce altruistic behaviour making them less civil. Modern city life can leads to more people being impatient, intolerant and negative towards others. Perhaps it’s because we are bombarded with so much that demands our attention. Perhaps it’s the pace of life. Or perhaps the lack of greenery cuts us off from nature. Whatever the reason we tend to seek solace, a place to unwind, and a calm, natural place that provides tranquillity away from these stresses. Is this why parks and open spaces are so popular in cities?

Natural health

Research has also established a direct association between nature and feelings of wellbeing. Specifically the positive effect that trees, plants and foliage have in reducing stress. There is a wealth of evidence that suggests that natural places, parks and lakes can make people feel better. And not only do people feel better, the images and sounds from natural scenes actually reduce psychological stress. It lowers blood pressure, reduces the production of stress hormones and has a positive effect on brain activity. Natural sounds and scenes also promote better health. A 1980’s study showed that patients recovering from gall-bladder operations recovered more quickly when the view of the window was of nature, plants and trees rather than more urban features such as road, walls and pavements.

Nature on audio

The sights and sounds from natural environments enable us quickly change our state and reverse the effects of mental exhaustion and stress. That’s why all of the audio programmes created by the virtual therapist include the sounds of nature. Often several natural sounds , different frequencies, types or textures are mixed together to induce a calm receptive state at different psychological levels. For example the combination of water and birdsong are particularly effective in helping to promote change, reduce stress and enhance well-being.

The inclusion of natural backing tracks is just one of the factors that make the virtual therapist audio programmes so effective. So it does seem that when you want to make rapid changes there many good reasons why we should get back to nature.