Birdsong Can Reduce Stress More Efficiently Than Meditative Apps

The world is stressful. In recent years, it has gotten even more stressful than usual. From health concerns to political debates to financial troubles, our daily lives are complicated, to say the least, and sometimes we feel like we need to take a break. Many people turn to medication apps or other relaxation methods. These apps do have their purpose and might help you take a quick mental break while you’re sitting at your office desk, looking out your window at the busy city below. However, as useful as these apps are, they are nothing compared to the sounds of nature.

A recent study tested whether meditation apps, silence, or recorded birdsong is most effective at reducing stress. The results showed that listening to a minute of birdsong was more effective than using a meditative app. And that’s just a recording! It has been shown in numerous studies that stepping outside into nature can greatly reduce stress levels.

There is something quite soothing about the melodic songs of birds in the trees, the whoosh of wind through the branches, and the crunch of leaves under your feet. Besides, the fresh, crisp air of the woods is more refreshing than the polluted air of the city. For these reasons, a walk in the park, or better yet, through the woods, might be just what the doctor ordered if you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed.

That isn’t to say you should ditch meditation apps completely. If they help you, they certainly have their use. However, remember that an app on a whole can only do so much for your mental health. If you want a more relaxing meditative experience, try doing Yoga on the beach or out in a city park. If you work from home, take a fifteen-minute break to walk outside. Practice some breathing exercises, feel the sunshine against your skin, clothes your eyes, and listen to the sounds of nature around you. Odds are, that fifteen minutes might be just what you need for a mental reset. Listening to the sounds of nature can help you feel more removed from the current stressful situation and can give you a chance to look at your problems from a fresh perspective.

Where you choose to go can make a difference too. An apartment parking lot will not be nearly as effective as a city park, and a city park might not be as beneficial as a wooded area with the sounds of running water nearby. Of course, where you live and where you work will certainly play a role in which natural areas are within your reach, but here are a few tips to keep in mind to find the best place for you to relax.

Know what sounds comfort you. Is it running streams, waves crashing on a seashore, wind in the trees, or the chatter of birds?

Understand that biodiversity matters. What is biodiversity, you ask? It’s the number of different species in an area. Studies show that the more species of birds there are in an area, the more beneficial birdsong is to your mental health. In other words, instead of listening to one singer, listen to a chorus of different species, singing a melodic symphony of song.

Use your time in nature to empty your mind, let go of the stress, and just relax. If you spend the whole time thinking about your deadlines or trying to tackle a mental problem, you’re not going to feel refreshed. Remember, your mental health is of utmost importance, especially in this crazy world, so be sure to take the time to just enjoy the wonderful Earth we live in.