https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2020-12/cpsu-tpc121420.php
News Release 15-Dec-2020
California Polytechnic State University
If you thought your morning hike was contributing to your wellbeing, a new study shows that you're right, especially if our avian friends were singing while you strolled.
A growing body of research shows that time spent in nature contributes to human mental health. Although many studies have found that humans benefit from spending time in nature, few studies have explored why. A research team at California Polytechnic State University investigated how much the natural sounds humans hear during their time in the great outdoors contribute to this sense of well-being. The study was published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B.
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"We're such visual animals that we discount this modality of sound that we have," said Cal Poly biology Professor Clinton Francis, who oversaw the research. "I'm still kind of flabbergasted that only 7-10 minutes of exposure to these sounds improved people's well-being. It really underscores how important hearing is to us and probably to other animals."
Both findings support the need to improve natural soundscapes within and outside of protected areas. Less human noise pollution could contribute to greater human happiness by making it easier to hear natural sounds, including bird song.
"Our results underscore the need for park managers to reduce anthropogenic noise pollution, which is not only a cost-effective way to improve visitors' experiences but can also benefit wildlife as well," Ferraro said.
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