Do you ever stop to think about the soundscape you live in? The Finnish Hearing Association ‘Let’s Be Quiet for a Moment’ campaign, running from 5 to 9 October 2026, highlights the importance of silence for recovery and concentration. We’ve put together a list of five books on the importance of sound and silence in everyday life. Each book is available through HAMK Library.
| van Kamp, I. & Woudenberg, F. (2024). Sound approach to noise and health. Springer Nature.
How does the sound around us affect health, wellbeing, and everyday life? This open access book examines both the positive and negative impacts of environmental sound from health, social, psychological, economic, and policy perspectives. It provides an up-to-date and comprehensive overview, making it an insightful read for anyone interested in public health, sustainability, environmental studies, urban planning, and the relationship between people and their surroundings. |
| McCormack, J. (2019). Noise. Findaway World. Audiobook. – eBook
Struggling to stay focused in a world of constant digital distractions? Noise explores the impact of information overload on learning, decision-making, and leadership. McCormack offers practical strategies to cut through distractions, improve focus, and concentrate on what truly matters. An essential read for anyone who wants to strengthen their attention skills and work effectively in today’s information-rich environment. |
| Barton, J., Bragg, R., Wood, C., Pretty, J., & Ambrose-Oji, B. (2016). Green exercise: Linking nature, health and well-being. Routledge.
Green Exercise demonstrates how physical activity in natural environments can improve both mental and physical health. Drawing on research from health, environmental, and social sciences, the authors show the benefits of outdoor activity at all stages of life. The book introduces practices such as forest bathing, blue exercise, and therapeutic nature-based activities, highlighting how nature can support learning and health. |
| Gerlach-Spriggs, N., Kaufman, R. E., & Warner, S. B. (1998). Restorative gardens: The healing landscape. Yale University Press.
How can nature assist in healing? This fascinating book explores the historical role of gardens in healthcare, showing how they contributed to physical and mental recovery. Using case studies from six American healthcare facilities, the authors demonstrate how green spaces improve wellbeing and promote healing. Combining insights from landscape architecture, medicine, and history, it argues for reintroducing gardens into modern healthcare design. |
| Nosanow, M. (2024). The college student’s guide to mental health: Essential wellness strategies for flourishing in college. New World Library.
College life can be exciting but also stressful, bringing challenges such as anxiety, loneliness, and self-doubt. Written by an experienced psychologist, this practical guide helps students understand their emotions, manage negative thinking, build strong relationships, and improve overall wellbeing. It offers clear strategies to overcome common challenges and make the most of university experiences. |
AI was used to check the spelling and text clarity.
