Birdsong and walks in the forest tied to significant mental health benefits
A study from North Carolina State University indicates that spending time in nature while listening to birdsong significantly reduces stress and improves mood compared to urban environments. Researchers found that natural settings combined with natural sounds provide the highest levels of perceived restoration for participants.
Why it matters
This research provides empirical evidence for urban planning strategies that prioritize green spaces to improve public mental health.
by Joey Pitchford, North Carolina State University
edited by Lisa Lock , reviewed by Andrew Zinin
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:
Add as preferred source Ground and aerial views of the restored forest (bottom right) and grey space (top right) locations where treatments occurred immediately prior to measuring stress, Scales of Positive and Negative Experience and the Perceived Restorativeness Scale. Credit: Environmental Conservation (2026). DOI: 10.1017/s0376892926100484 New research finds that the sounds and sights of nature are associated with significant mental health benefits compared with loud urban environments. The study, by North Carolina State University researchers, compared the effects of hearing different types of sounds in natural and urban environments on listeners' emotions.
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