How Olo Uses the Science of Sound for Stress Relief
The mental wellness platform supports stress relief and nervous system regulation through science and nature
Managing stress and cultivating emotional well-being has never been more important. Olo, a mental wellness platform, uses the science of sound and nature to offer audio journeys designed to support stress relief and nervous system regulation. Co-founded by Markus Pesonen, a music composer, and Catarina Brazão, a somatic therapist, Olo uses sound to manage emotional resilience and cognitive health.
Olo combines neuroscience with natural soundscapes to create immersive experiences for stress relief. The platform’s soundscapes are built on over 1,000 hours of high-fidelity recordings from biodiverse environments and utilize spatial sound technology to replicate the experience of being in nature.
“We live in a world increasingly overwhelmed by digital noise and disconnection,” Pesonen told Athletech News. “Olo’s sound experiences, recorded in biodiverse natural environments, are crafted to help people find moments of quiet and strength. By understanding the language of the nervous system, users can better manage stress and build resilience.”
Research indicates that these immersive soundscapes can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, helping to lower cortisol levels, increase heart rate variability (HRV), and promote relaxation. Soundscapes may also support emotional processing and neuroplasticity, assisting individuals to release repetitive thoughts and cultivate creativity and focus.
Future developments for Olo include integrating the app with users’ natural rhythms and emotional states. Olo’s initiatives extend beyond the app, including workshops in cities like New York and Los Angeles and retreats in locations such as Finland’s Saimaa Lakeland and Madeira, Portugal.
“We started with a focus on providing instant relief through meticulously designed sound journeys and an intuitive interface that reduces choice fatigue and fosters healthy digital habits,” Pesonen said.
“Now, we are elevating the experience with an AI-powered somatic coach, fine-tuned to embody Catarina’s 20+ years of expertise as a somatic therapist. This feature is designed to help users reflect, gain deeper insights, and cultivate self-awareness, empowering them to understand the language of their nervous system. By guiding users toward embodied awareness, the app opens pathways to greater clarity, better decision-making, and personal growth.”