Listen to the birdies: Their songs boost your health

ENJOYING birdsong while going out for a walk has been a treat for many of us during the pandemic.

however listening to the sounds while taking exercise has not only boosted physical health but also mental wellbeing, according to a study.

It found that the melodies can have striking health advantages by combating stress and annoyance.

The sounds of water, such as the patter of rain, also have benefits as they boost positive emotions and health outcomes.

The research looked at recordings from 251 sites across 66 uS national parks and found that tuning into nature can decrease pain, improve mood and enhance cognitive performance.

Students at Colorado State university identified the effects of different types of sounds in the recordings made in loca

‘Many have noticed the relaxing sounds’

tions offering pristine soundscapes. Lead author Dr rachel Buxton said: ‘The pandemic has emphasised the importance of nature for human health.

‘As traffic has declined during quarantine, many people have connected with soundscapes in a whole new way, noticing the relaxing sounds of birds.

‘how remarkable that these sounds are also good for our health. These sounds are beautiful. They deserve our protection.’

Fellow lead author Dr Amber Pearson said: ‘The findings highlight that in contrast to the harmful effects of noise, natural sounds may bolster mental health.

‘Most of the existing evidence we found is from lab or hospital settings. There is a need for more research on natural sounds in our lives and how these affect health.’

The findings were published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.