London, December 17 : Phone company Orange is providing a new service to help its users relax this Christmas.

The ‘Relaxation line’ allows users to listen to the soothing sound of the sea.

Customers can dial a standard rate number and choose from one of five ambient sound effects available.

The sounds include a woodland forest, waves lapping on a beach, the “traditional hubbub of an English village green”, a crackling log fire, and birdsong.

The sounds have been recorded at Brighton Beach, Brighton Nature Reserve, Open House and Canterbury Aviary.

The new concept was built on studies conducted by behavioural therapists.

“Recent studies show that listening to recorded sounds of the ocean for just 12 minutes can lower both the pulse and blood pressure,” the Telegraph quoted Professor Richard Schoch, cultural historian and author of the book The Secrets of Happiness, as saying.

He added: “We know certain sounds make us feel calmer because they slow down the body’s stress response.”

Orange offers the service free to its customers, but standard network charges are applied to other users. (ANI)