Being confined to our homes can give us a massive amount of anxiety: Don't believe it? Just ask anyone in Colorado right now. 

We're outdoor creatures, and being forced to stay indoors can definitely take a toll on our mental health. But what, exactly, can we do in the middle of this pandemic? Colorado State University may have the answer.

Being indoors has stressed me out, for sure: listening to the noise of my neighbors raises my blood pressure to the point where I have to turn on nature sounds from YouTube in order to even close my eyes at night. However, once I hear the pitter patter of rain from my favorite white noise channel, I can relax enough to sleep.

But I'm not the only one who's experienced this. Nature sounds have calming properties. According to TheHill.com:

Listening to natural sounds has been shown to increase mood, boost productivity, lower blood pressure and decrease stress — all of which promote a stronger immune system.

Because of this, the Sound and Light Ecology Team at Colorado State has been collecting natural soundscapes for the past ten years. This seems like the perfect time to enjoy them.

CSU's database includes sounds from Yellowstone National Park, the Oregon coast, volcanoes in Hawaii, and so much more. The thing that best puts me to sleep-- the sound of water-- is also available, from rolling tides to bubbling creeks and streams. You can also listen to packs of animals, including roving coyotes or elk in the Rocky Mountains.

To listen or learn more, head here.

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Animals of the Denver Zoo

 

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