Those of your with PTSD, sensory processing disorders or other conditions that make it difficult for you to cope with certain sounds will know what it’s like to feel overwhelmed by every day noise. This post is a collection of 21 different free ambient sounds, available online, that could help you relax, focus or get to sleep.
I live with post traumatic stress disorder and, when triggered, my sensitivity to noise is heightened. Household sounds, talking and music can be difficult for me to endure when I’m struggling and so I often work, relax and sleep with headphones on in order to control the sounds I am exposed to.
I’ve had a particularly rough few weeks and have relied heavily on being able to block out the world around me in order to work and relax. I know many of you will turn to audiobooks and podcasts in times of need and, while I’m a huge fan, I find the words too distracting while I am writing or working.
I use these Audio Technica Professional Headphones (affiliate link) to block out the sounds of my surroundings. I bought them a few years ago, when I was buying podcasting equipment and, although they aren’t cheap, I’ve used them every day since and found them to mask the noises around me perfectly. They provide beautiful, deep, surround sound and also have a super long lead, which allows me to paint and move around without getting tangled up or having my safe sounds suddenly cut out.
All the items on this list are free and readily available online. I’ve deliberately chosen sounds that last for as long as possible, some of the sounds are long enough to last an entire night/working day, but some are shorter at around 1-3 hours. I’ve included times in the list below:
Rain Sounds
- Rain on Window with Thunder Sounds by Relaxing Ambience ASMR | YouTube | 8 hours (this is my go-to video at the moment for writing)
- Rainy Day Coffee Shop Ambience by Cozy Autumn | YouTube | 3 hours
- Thunderstorm and Rain Sounds by Relaxing Ambience ASMR | YouTube |9 hours
- Harbour Storm mix | Rain, Rain sound app (free on Android and iOS) | Available on a loop
- Heavy rain sounds in misty forest by Natureza Relaxante | YouTube | 10 hours
Nature Sounds
- Calming Seas by Relax24 | YouTube | 11 hours
(this has a lovely surround sound effect in headphones, it’s so calming) - Soothing waves crashing on a beach by Relaxing White Noise | YouTube | 10 hours
- Trickling forest creek by theSilentWatcher | YouTube | 3 hours
- Sounds of nature & birds singing by TopRelaxMusic | YouTube | 8 hours
- Flowery Meadow by Healing Nature & Meditation | YouTube | 1 hour
Calming music
- Beautiful heavy falling snow and relaxing music by Cat Trumpet | YouTube | 3 hours
- Healing Music by Yellow Brick Cinema | YouTube | 11 hours
- Relaxing music for stress relief by Soothing Relaxation | YouTube | 3 hours
- Deep Sleep Music by Soothing Relaxation | YouTube | 3 hours
- Classical music for studying, relaxation and concentration by HALIDONMUSIC | YouTube | 4 hours
Household Sounds
- Relaxing fireplace sounds by Cat Trumpet | YouTube | 12 hours
- Clothes dryer by SleepySounds | YouTube | 9 hours
- Really awesome fan sounds for sleep by Relaxing White Noise | YouTube |10 hours
- Baby Sleep White Noise by Relaxing White Noise | YouTube | 10 hours
- Heater White Noise by Relaxing White Noise | YouTube | 10 hours
Sounds of modern life
- Airplane sounds by Relaxing White Noise | YouTube| 10 hours
- Open window New York City by Nomadic Ambience | YouTube | 3 hours
- City Traffic Noises by White Noise Soundscapes | YouTube | 10 hours
- Restaurant Ambience by myNoise | YouTube | 10 hours
- ASMR Coffee Shop Ambience by Fox Mooder Ambience Worlds | YouTube | 6 hours
What kinds of noises do you like to listen to while you work/study? Would you like to see a list of specific types of these noises in the future? I’d love to hear from you, please leave a comment below!
