Modern life can bring many stresses and strains but now researchers have come up with 30 sounds they claim are guaranteed to relax you. If you live near the sea, you’re in luck, as waves crashing on to a beach is believed to be the most relaxing thing you can listen to, followed by the gentle chirp of bird song.
Dr Becky Spelman, who was involved in the study for Aqua Sana Forest Spa, explained: “Our environment profoundly influences our mental state, and sound is a key component in this dynamic, playing a critical role in our overall mental health and well-being.
“The influence of sound on our emotional state is profound and often overlooked. Nature sounds, often referred to as green noise, can create a calming atmosphere that significantly alleviates stress.
“When we listen to the gentle sounds of nature, like a waterfall cascading over rocks or the soft rustling of leaves in a breeze, we allow our minds to shift from a state of alertness to one of relaxation. This transition is essential for mental clarity and peace, as it provides a respite from the constant demands of daily life.”
The sound of rain on a tent also came high in the list of favourite sounds, along with the wind whistling through trees and, surprisingly, the sound of a thunderstorm in the distance.
According to the study, 72 per cent of people regularly listen to relaxing sounds to unwind after a stressful day with the soothing sounds of nature – like rustling leaves, wood crackling and popping in an open fire and snow crunching under foot among other favourites.
In contrast, 90 per cent of those 2,000 polled say loud and unpleasant noises stress them out, with unexpected car horns, car alarms at night, screaming children, people shouting in the street and dogs barking among the worst noises.
Dr Spelman added: “Our auditory senses have a unique ability to trigger memories and emotions. The soothing sounds of nature can evoke feelings of safety and comfort, reminding us of serene environments where we feel most at ease.
“By intentionally incorporating these sounds into our environments, we can create a sanctuary that promotes emotional well-being and resilience.”
The top 30 sounds for relaxation in the poll are:
- Waves crashing onto the shore
- Bird song
- The sound of a waterfall
- The trickle of a stream
- The sound of rain on a tent
- The wind whistling through the trees
- A thunderstorm in the distance
- The soft purr of a cat
- Wood crackling and popping on an open fire
- Windchimes
- Rustling leaves
- Spa music
- Sounds of the rainforest
- The sound of snow crunching underfoot
- Sound of a harp
- A baby giggling
- The gentle ticking of a clock
- Church bells ringing
- White noise on the TV
- A water sprinkler
- The rhythm of a train on the tracks
- A child’s bedtime story
- A bath being run
- A drink being poured into a glass
- The clinking of ice cubes in a glass or jug
- Your dog snoring
- The sound of cicadas on holiday
- Horses’ hooves on the ground
- The pfft when opening a canned drink
- Splashing in the bath
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