Noise pollution has negative effects on mental health, including elevated heart rates, blood pressure, and incidences of stroke, sleep disturbances, depression, and anxiety.
Incorporating nature sounds into daily routine can have therapeutic benefits and improve productivity in noisy environments.
Deep dives
The Impact of Noise on Mental Health
Paige Towers grew up in a quiet area but faced overwhelming noise when she moved to major cities. As a child, noisy environments caused her to feel panicky and overwhelmed. She realized her anxiety was triggered by noise as an adult. Noise pollution has negative effects on mental health, including elevated heart rates, blood pressure, and incidences of stroke, sleep disturbances, depression, and anxiety.
Coping with Noise Sensitivity
To alleviate the negative effects of noise, Paige started using noise-canceling headphones and listening to nature sounds while walking through the city. She found that nature sounds put her in a calm and meditative state, allowing her to focus and be more productive as a writer. Incorporating nature sounds into her daily routine became a therapeutic and workspace tool.
The Fight for Quieter Cities
Noise pollution is a widespread issue in cities, causing various health problems. Organizations advocating for quieter surroundings often call for increased green spaces, such as parks and gardens, to counteract noise. However, changing the approach to noise from the ground up, rethinking its role in productivity and capitalism, is necessary for long-term progress. Raising awareness and demanding structural changes to make cities quieter can help combat noise pollution.
When writer Paige Towers moved to one of the loudest cities in the world, she found herself overcome with anxiety and depression. She came to realize that the noise of the city itself, and the inability to escape from it, was having a huge impact on her mental health. With the help of the internet, Paige was able to discover a deceptively simple solution. But the negative health implications of noise pollution are anything but simple.