There is a good reason why there are such strict laws on sound pollution. Although it may not seem like much on the surface, the truth is that loud noises can have a very negative effect on our bodies and minds. Loud noises jolt the mind from its state of equanimity and provoke the body into a “flight or fight” reaction. As extra adrenaline is released into your body, your heart rate increases, your pupils dilate, you start sweating and your muscles are tensed to take immediate action. This is your body’s way of preparing to deal with an unforeseen emergency. Unfortunately, when your body is continually provoked into this state due to loud noises, it has a very detrimental effect on health.
Loud noises at night are even worse, because they affect your sleep. Just like any battery needs recharging after constant use, your body needs to recharge after a hard day’s work; and sleep is the body’s way of recharging. If your sleep is interrupted due to loud noises, your body won’t have adequate time to recharge, and you will wake up feeling groggy, irritable, tired, and weak. What’s worse is the physiological effect on your body, as it struggles to cope with the lack of sleep.
So if you live in an area that is prone to sound pollution, you have two options—take steps to make the sound pollution stop, or relocate. Many people choose to do neither and as they get used to the frequent loud noises, they think that their bodies have adapted. What they don’t know is that in the long run they are doing their bodies and minds untold damage. Turning up the volume on your IPod or television is not a solution. Your body can’t differentiate between pleasant and unpleasant loud sounds.
If you have managed to move away from the source of sound pollution, but your heart still beats fast, there are a number of things that you can do to calm your body and mind. One of the best ways to do this is to practice some meditation. All you need to do is sit in a quiet spot with your eyes shut, and focus your mind on calming yourself. Breathe in and out in a slow and deep manner through your nostrils. This will also help to calm your body down. There are several yoga breathing exercises that you can practice daily to help to assuage problems related to the nervous system.
Aromatherapy is another powerful tool that can be used to lower your heart rate and induce a sense of calm. There are many essential oils whose fragrance can counteract the stimulating effects of loud noises. You can use a diffuser or a candle to spread the aroma of these oils in your home or workplace. You can even choose to dab a drop of oil on your handkerchief or sleeve and smell it when your heart rate increases.