19) Big city vs Nature - Natural Soundtracks

According to a definition by the International Statistics Conference of 1887, large cities are all cities with at least 100,000 inhabitants.

In mid-2023, an estimated 4.6 of the slightly more than 8 billion people worldwide lived in cities. That was 57% of the world population. In 2030, this proportion will be 60%.

Here I picked a video from YouTube (made by Michael Moll) about a natural soundtrack from New York.

---

Why big city noise makes you sick?

Big city noise can indeed have negative effects on health and well-being, potentially making some individuals feel sick or stressed. This phenomenon is often referred to as noise pollution. There are several reasons why big city noise might have this impact:

Stress and Annoyance: Constant exposure to loud and disruptive noises, such as traffic, construction, sirens, and crowds, can cause stress and annoyance. Chronic stress can lead to a range of physical and mental health issues, including fatigue, irritability, anxiety, and even depression.

Sleep Disturbance: Noisy environments can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to sleep deprivation and its associated health problems. Consistently poor sleep quality has been linked to a higher risk of various health conditions, including cardiovascular diseases and impaired cognitive function.

Hormonal Imbalance: Prolonged exposure to noise can trigger the release of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. Elevated levels of these hormones over time can disrupt the body's natural balance and contribute to health problems, including hypertension and a weakened immune system.

Cognitive Impairment: Excessive noise levels can impair concentration, attention, and cognitive function. This can be especially problematic for students, professionals, and individuals who require focus for their work or studies.

Cardiovascular Issues: Noise pollution has been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, including high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. The constant activation of the body's stress response due to noise exposure can contribute to these health issues.

Tinnitus and Hearing Loss: Exposure to loud noises can lead to hearing damage or loss, as well as the development of tinnitus (ringing in the ears). These auditory issues can have a negative impact on overall well-being and quality of life.

Psychological Impact: Living in a noisy environment for an extended period can have psychological effects, such as feelings of helplessness and a diminished sense of control. This can contribute to a sense of dissatisfaction with one's living conditions and overall life quality.

Social Isolation: Noise pollution can make it difficult to communicate effectively and maintain social interactions. This can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness, which can impact mental health.

It's important to note that individual responses to noise pollution can vary widely. Some people may be more sensitive to noise than others, and factors such as genetics, personality, and preexisting health conditions can influence how someone experiences and copes with noise pollution. To mitigate the negative effects of big city noise, urban planning, noise regulations, noise-reducing infrastructure, and personal coping strategies can all play a role in creating healthier and more livable environments.

---

VS

Why sounds from nature is healthy to our minds ?

Sounds from nature, often referred to as "nature sounds" or "natural sounds," have been shown to have positive effects on our minds and well-being for several reasons:

Biophilic Connection: Humans have an innate connection with nature, known as biophilia. Exposure to natural sounds can evoke feelings of comfort, relaxation, and even nostalgia, as these sounds are deeply ingrained in our evolutionary history.

(Biophilic: Someone who feels a strong attraction or emotional connection to the living world.)

Stress Reduction: Natural sounds like flowing water, rustling leaves, chirping birds, and gentle breezes are often associated with calm and tranquility. Listening to these sounds can help reduce stress, anxiety, and even physiological indicators of stress like heart rate and cortisol levels.

Attention Restoration: Natural sounds are often characterized by their gentle and non-intrusive qualities. Listening to these sounds can provide a restorative effect on our cognitive abilities, helping us recover from mental fatigue and improving our ability to focus.

White Noise and Masking: Natural sounds can act as a form of "white noise," which can mask or drown out disruptive and bothersome background noises. This can create a more peaceful environment and promote relaxation.

Mood Enhancement: Exposure to nature sounds has been linked to improved mood and emotional well-being. Listening to these sounds can evoke positive emotions, reducing feelings of sadness, anger, and tension.

Mindfulness and Meditation: Nature sounds are often used in mindfulness practices and meditation. They provide a soothing backdrop that helps individuals enter a state of relaxation and focus, enhancing the effectiveness of these practices.

Improved Sleep: Many people find that listening to nature sounds before bedtime can improve sleep quality. The calming and repetitive nature of these sounds can help lull individuals into a more relaxed state conducive to falling asleep.

Connection with Nature: In urban environments where direct exposure to nature is limited, listening to nature sounds can provide a sense of connection to the natural world. This connection is important for maintaining mental well-being.

Positive Distraction: Nature sounds can serve as a positive form of distraction from the demands and stresses of everyday life. Engaging with these sounds can offer a mental break and allow individuals to recharge.

Environmental Associations: People often associate nature sounds with positive experiences in natural settings, such as hiking, picnicking, or spending time by the ocean. These positive associations can contribute to the overall positive impact of these sounds on mental health.

Incorporating nature sounds into your daily routine, whether through recordings, relaxation apps, or spending time in natural environments, can have a beneficial impact on your mental well-being by promoting relaxation, reducing stress, and enhancing your overall mood.

Published: 08/31/2023