How Nature Sounds Improve Mood: Summer is here, and it’s a time when most people love spending time outdoors. Listening to the rustling of trees, the chirping of birds, the music of waterfalls or the echo of the sea waves – all these are relaxing experiences in themselves. But did you know that these natural sounds are not just effective in making us feel good, but are also very effective in improving our health and mental state?
In today’s noisy and technologically saturated environment, the sounds of nature such as the rustling of tree leaves or the gurgling of a river provide a refreshing experience. In recent years, scientists have studied this topic in depth, and the results that have come out are surprising.
Health Benefits of Natural Sounds – Research Perspective
An important study conducted in 2021 (Buxton, R.T. et al.) reviewed 36 studies that looked at the effect of natural sounds of animals, water and wind. Of these, 18 studies were analyzed and found that natural sounds:
- reduce mental stress,
- improve mood,
- improve cognitive performance (such as concentration and attention),
- and have a positive effect on overall health.
The study concluded that natural parks that are rich in these sounds can promote public health.
Natural sounds and the ability to concentrate
Another interesting study (Song, I. et al.) conducted in 2023 exposed university students to three types of sounds: flowing water in a valley, birdsong in a forest, and city traffic. The students were then given concentration tasks.
The results were surprising—the students who were exposed to natural sounds showed significant improvement in their performance, while the group exposed to traffic noise did not. This shows that natural sounds can actually improve our brain’s ability to function.
Stress relief and mental balance
Several studies have found that nature sounds, such as the sound of a waterfall or the chirping of birds, can:
- decrease levels of stress hormones (such as cortisol),
- improve mood,
- reduce anxiety, and
- create a sense of well-being.
White, M.E. et al. According to (2023), nature sounds can help restore our body’s natural balance, improve mood and enhance overall mental health.
Water sounds vs. birds chirping – which is more effective?
Researchers believe that:
- Water sounds such as the gurgling of fountains or waterfalls help to relax physically quickly.
- While bird sounds mentally relieve stress.
This is why people often prefer to install fountains or bird baths in their gardens. It not only beautifies the environment, but also has a stress-relieving effect.
Nature sounds can also be effective in mental illnesses
In an interesting study conducted in Japan in 2020 (Ochiai, H. et al.), male patients suffering from gambling addiction were played two types of sounds—forest sounds and urban traffic sounds. Patients’ heart rate, brain oxygen levels and mood were measured.
The results showed that after listening to forest sounds, patients’ negative emotions decreased and their mood improved. Scientists concluded that these natural sounds improve both mental balance and peace.
Helpful in depression – sound of birds
According to White, M.E. et al. (2023), when people suffering from depression were made to listen to bird sounds and were also given visuals (such as watching birds fly), their mood improved in the long term. This means that nature not only gives momentary happiness, but also helps in long-term mental improvement.
Conclusion: Nature sounds – a free and effective treatment
So now that research is clearly saying that:
- Natural sounds reduce stress,
- improve mood,
- increase concentration,
- and can be helpful in treating mental illnesses,
…we need to make them a part of our lifestyle.
The biggest advantage of these is that they are natural, free and available to everyone. Listening to the sounds of birds during a morning walk, sitting on the bank of a lake and listening to the waves of water or simply closing your eyes for a while and feeling the sounds of nature – all these can improve our mental health.
🔚 Finally, let me say this:
The next time you feel stressed, take your attention away from the mobile and go to a park, listen to the birds, sit among the trees and give peace to your mind. These sounds of nature will not only make you feel good today, but can keep your mind and body healthy in the long run.
