Relaxing music from nature: sounds of nature.
Sounds of Nature
Scientists from Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS) showed that playing 'natural sounds' has a positive impact on both physical and mind. For example, when one was in a state of anxiety, these sounds could cause the brain to rest. While naturalistic sounds and 'green' environments are often associated with promoting relaxation and well-being, there has been no scientific evidence to date. The study of these scientists was published in Scientific Reports.
Dr. Cassandra Gould:
“We are all familiar with the feeling of relaxation and 'disabling'. Especially when we think of a walk in the countryside, for example. Now we have found evidence of the brain and body, which helps us understand this effect better. This also creates an exciting collaboration between artists and scientists. With real worldly consequences, especially for people suffering from stress.”
Sounds from nature
In collaboration with audiovisual artist Mark Ware, the BSMS team conducted an experiment, in which participants listened to recorded sounds from natural and artificial environment. As they did, their brain activity was measured with an MRI scanner. Their autonomic nervous system activity was followed by minute changes in heart rate. The team noted that the activity in the brain regions that are active when we rest was different depending on the sounds in the background. When listening to natural sounds, the brain reflected connectivity with more outwardly focused attention. When listening to artificial sounds, this connectivity of the brain was reflected inward. This is similar to states that can be found in anxiety, post-traumatic stress and depression.
Natural Sounds
There was also an increase in activity in the nervous system, when listening to natural sounds, compared to the artificial. Interestingly, the degree of change in the activity of the nervous system was dependent on the condition of the participant. People who had made a great effort before the experiment showed greater physical relaxation when listening to the natural sounds. This research can count on a growing interest in human physical and mental health. In addition, this also has a major impact on public health and urban planning issues. By the way, this study is also the first to present an integrated exploration of the field of behavior, physiology and the brain.
Mark Ware, artist:
“Collaborations between artists and scientists can be very problematic. This is often due to a lack of shared knowledge and language, both scientific and artistic. But the BSMS team has certainly sought an exciting and successful outcome here. We have plans to work further together and I am excited to explore how the results could be applied to the creation and understanding of time-based art. This is for the benefit of people, in the area of well-being and health.”
