Scientists have found that the sounds of nature indeed help reduce stress and improve mood. However, the greatest effect comes not from exotic tropical noises, but from the familiar sounds of native nature.
A quiet walk in the forest can change your mood in just a few minutes. The singing of birds, the rustling of leaves, and the chirping of insects create a natural soundscape that helps to relax and distract from everyday worries.
A recent study involving 195 students from Germany showed that the impact of natural sounds largely depends on how familiar they are to a person. Participants were asked to listen to recordings of European and tropical forests with varying amounts of animal voices, after which they assessed their mood, stress levels, ability to concentrate, and sense of awe towards nature.
The results showed that a large number of animal sounds generally improved mood and helped with better concentration. However, unfamiliar sounds without a clear context caused slight discomfort for some participants.
Students identified the sounds of European forests, which they were well acquainted with since childhood, as the most pleasant and relaxing. These sounds more frequently evoked feelings of calmness, safety, and even reverence for nature.
According to Dr. Melissa Marselle from the University of Surrey, natural sounds have a particularly strong impact when a person can recognize them and associate them with personal memories. This helps to relax more quickly and feel emotional comfort.
Researchers believe that the findings are important not only for psychology but also for urban planning. They argue that modern cities should maintain conditions for local birds and insects to ensure that residents can hear the natural sounds of nature even in an urban environment.
Scientists concluded that for emotional well-being, not only walks in nature are important, but also a familiar sound environment. The familiar singing of birds and other natural sounds help reduce stress, improve mood, and restore concentration, making the preservation of natural diversity an important part of caring for people's health.
