The Soothing Power of Tricking Water Sounds: Why They Help Us Relax
Though I am a scientist, I will answer this question more from a semi-scientific perspective because it requires a lot of evidence to answer it in a fully scientific manner. Here is my reasoning:
Our Brain and Sensory Overload
Our sensory organs— our ears and eyes—are usually bombarded with inputs. However, only when these inputs are meaningful, like seeing someone or hearing someone, does the brain get ready to process them. Who is that? What are they saying? And the brain prepares us to respond to it. Should I get up and greet them? Are they gossiping about me?
This process requires a lot of energy and can tire the brain and the body. So let's focus on the sounds we hear.
Most Sounds and Their Effects
Most sounds like the sound of a fan, the sound of someone approaching, or the sound of someone speaking, make us focus and often anticipate some kind of response. Some sounds cause more focus and anticipation than others, but all of them make the brain take note of them. However, these sounds generally require an emotional response, and that takes energy.
The Sound of Water Flowing
Now, let's consider the sound of a stream. The noise of a stream is akin to "white noise" in science. It consists of numerous random frequencies, like hundreds of people speaking at once, each of similar strength. This mixture of sounds does not make us identify with a specific sound that requires a particular response or action.
Initially, the brain does take note of the water's sound, but it quickly realizes that there is nothing that needs to be done about it. The brain feels it is "meaningless," so it doesn't have to do anything about it. This means the body doesn't have to respond to the sensory input either. In fact, it might even suppress other background sounds, such as someone talking at a distance. This allows the brain to rest, making us calm.
Natural Relaxation and Meditation
Water sounds are naturally relaxing, and many people have long adopted running water sounds in their meditation techniques. The sound of water can influence neuronal waves in our brain, resulting in a relaxing effect. It is all about disconnecting from the fast-paced, noisy environment we live in.
The Relaxing Effect of Water Sounds
Water sounds can help relieve stress by providing a soothing, ambient environment. The combination of being surrounded by hot water and listening to the sound of water flowing nearby can induce a profound sense of mental calm. Water sounds help us disengage from the constant stimuli of our daily lives, allowing our brains to rest and recharge. This is why hot tubs, springs, and waterfalls are often favored spots for relaxation and stress relief.
Scientific Research on Water Sounds and Relaxation
Scientists have conducted studies to understand how water sounds can impact the brain and body. These studies have found that listening to water sounds can lead to an increase in theta waves in the brain, which are associated with relaxation, creativity, and potential increased problem-solving ability.
Conclusion
The soothing power of trickling water sounds lies in their ability to provide a calming, restful environment for our overloaded senses. By reducing the brain's need to process countless stimuli, water sounds can help bring about a state of relaxation, providing a much-needed break from the constant noise and commotion of our daily lives.