The Best Noise for Less Stress and More Productivity
Every day noises can play a huge part in how we feel and perform in our daily tasks. Harsh noises, like a baby’s cry, a dog’s constant barking, or obnoxious traffic noises, can put us on edge and stress us out. Noise can also benefit us and help us focus and de-stress too.
The best noise to listen to when you are feeling a little frayed or need a productivity boost at work? Nature sounds. Scientists from the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in New York found that nature sounds like a babbling brook, birds tweeting, and other calming nature noises help individuals to calm down, concentrate better, and have better moods.
Another study done in Sweden found that listening to pleasant nature sounds can also help lower blood pressure and heart rates. Yet even another study in the International Journal of Nursing Studies concluded that nature-based sounds helped patients who suffered from high levels of anxiety and agitation while on a ventilator.
Adding Nature to Your Day
Now that you have seen what the studies are saying about nature sound benefits, let’s take a look at how you can take advantage of these benefits. Here are just a few ideas on how to let nature sounds benefit your mood in every area of your day.
- Fall asleep to a recording of ocean waves or rain
- Program your alarm clock to wake you up with birds chirping and singing
- When you are feeling stressed out, take a walk in a nearby park and enjoy the sounds of the leaves blowing, birds chirping, and squirrels fighting
- Use calming nature sounds to block out negative noise, such as city noises or background chatter in the office
- Install a nature sound app on your phone and listen to it whenever you are feeling stressed, such as when you are stuck in line or stuck in traffic
- Bookmark your favorite Youtube video of happy nature sounds to listen to when you need help with productivity or a spark of creativity
- Take weekend vacations that are centered around nature, such as a beach vacation or a trip to the mountains, to really unwind
While scientists may not be sure why our brains and bodies respond so positively to nature sounds, you can be sure there is enough research to back up the benefits. Take advantage of these benefits and use them in times of stress, sadness, or just when you have lackluster energy.
Used under Creative Commons Licensing courtesy of William Doyle
