We live in a world that is moving faster and faster, and it is normal to feel like you can't slow down or relax. For many this constant hustle is a constant source of stress.
When we feel stressed, our bodies go into fight-or-flight mode. This is an evolutionary response that helped our ancestors survive when they were faced with a dangerous situations. In today's world, the problem is that we are constantly bombarded with stressors (work deadlines, traffic jams, financial worries, etc.), which keep our bodies in a state of high alert. This can lead to several problems, both mental and physical.
Mentally, stress can cause anxiety, depression, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. It can also make it hard to make decisions and remember things.
Physically, stress can cause headaches, muscle tension, stomach problems, sleep issues, and high blood pressure. Additionally, chronic stress has been linked to heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.
Fortunately, there are many things you can do to reduce your stress levels and protect your health. Some of these include getting enough rest and exercise, practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation, eating a healthy diet, and spending time with people who make you feel good.
One way to reduce stress is to use soothing sounds throughout the day. Enter a site called Forrest Sounds. From its sparse webpage, it links to user-recorded forest sounds from around the world.
You can listen to:
Wood Buffalo National Park, near Pine Lake, Alberta, CANADA with the song of a bird
Jarbidge Wilderness, Nevada, USA with the sound of a river flowing gently
Japurana, Nova Bandeirantes, Mato Grosso, BRAZIL with the sounds of various birds singing and pecking
Sinaraja Rainforest, SRI LANKA
The effects of relaxing sounds on stress are well-documented. Studies have shown that listening to soothing sounds like those found on Forrest Sounds can help lower blood pressure and heart rate, reduce muscle tension, improve sleep quality, and promote feelings of calm and relaxation. Additionally, studies have shown that these sounds can help ease anxiety, depression, and stress symptoms. If you are looking for a way to reduce your stress levels, give Forrest Sounds a try!
Sources:
1. "The Effects of Relaxing Sounds on Stress", Psychology Today, https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/our-humanity-naturally/201606/the-effects-relaxing-sounds-stress
2. "How Sound Can Help Reduce Stress", Healthline, https://www.healthline.com/health/how-sound-can-help-reduce-stress
3. "The Science of Stress Relief: What Really Works", Harvard Health Publishing, https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/the-science-of-stress-relief-what-really-works-201506178096
4. "How to Reduce Stress Naturally", Medical News Today, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322143.php
keywords: reducing stress, fight-or-flight response, relaxation techniques, healthy diet, soothing sounds