The mental health advantages of being in nature have long been acknowledged, whether through activities like listening to birdsong or taking a walk within the park.
While birdwatchers are sometimes portrayed as boringit seems that twitchers have been onto something all along. A study published in 2024 shows that even half an hour of bird watching could make us happier, healthier and help foster a deeper reference to nature.
We already know that listening to birds throughout the day positively impacts our wellbeing. Even hearing birds indoors, through an open window can boost our emotional state, albeit within the short-term.
The study suggests that not only can birdwatching offer much more advantages than simply listening to birdsong, it’s more practical at increasing wellbeing and reducing stress than occurring a nature walk.
So, why is birdwatching so good for us?
Biophilia could possibly be an enormous a part of it. Biophilia is the assumption that humans have an affinity with nature – some would argue that we should always see ourselves as a part of nature – so being in natural surroundings makes us feel well. But biodiversity could play a job too. Research suggests that biodiversity is a natural medicine for humans that can assist reduce stress and encourage physical activity.
My research, though, focuses on positive psychology and nature. I explore which resources are fundamental to improving wellbeing and help people transcend feeling “adequate” mentally to flourishing – the very best level of wellbeing. My research, then, could help explain why birdwatching is so helpful for mental health.
Twitching with happiness
Birdwatching can boost positive emotions – the muse of wellbeing. Research shows that conscious experiences of emotions affect wellbeing more positively. For example, a study asked participants to either count what number of birds that they had seen, or rate their joy upon seeing each bird species – each groups reported wellbeing boosts. However, the joyful group experienced probably the most remarkable improvement, suggesting that participants’ awareness of positive emotions while birdwatching could have boosted the activity’s advantages.
But birding will be awesome in addition to joyful. Research suggests that experiencing awe of nature will be transformational for human wellbeing. “Noticing” is a vital aspect of awe. Noticing signifies that our full attention is on the birds relatively than ourselves. Being in nature and noticing wildlife, then, requires us to immerse ourselves within the activity, which may improve mental and physical health.
The birds and the bees
Unlike the “boring birder” stereotype so popular in TV and film, birdwatching will not be a dull, passive activity. It is a fascinating pursuit that captivates the mind. Recently, my colleague and I conducted research on the impact of bees on the mental health of beekeepers and their families.
We found parallels between beekeepers and birdwatchers: each experienced a deep engagement and profound sense of tranquillity through hours of observing their subject. Like birdwatchers, beekeepers can turn into so absorbed of their observations that they lose track of time and surroundings, enveloped entirely within the hive’s dynamics. This immersion triggers a psychological flow crucial for overall mental wellbeing.
Psychological flow is a state of deep absorption in an activity. It’s characterised by intense concentration, a seamless sense of involvement and a sense of mastery. This mental state will not be only an indication of enhanced performance, but in addition a key to overall wellbeing. It’s often in comparison with being “within the zone”, a state where we feel our greatest and perform at our peak.
One of the explanations that birdwatching is so good for us is that it may possibly produce this experience of psychological flow. Twitchers turn into fully engrossed in identifying bird species, deciphering their behaviours, and observing their actions. This flow state emerges organically, fuelled by curiosity, heightened concentration and sustained engagement. After being “within the flow” birdwatchers can experience a rush of endorphins and a profound sense of satisfaction and wellbeing.
Get a buzz
Our study found a powerful bond between beekeepers and their bees, much like “positivity resonance” – a deep emotional and physiological reference to one other living entity, often leading to feelings of joy and satisfaction.
This resonance, we found, significantly bolsters beekeepers’ happiness and overall wellbeing, fostering a profound sense of harmony within the beekeeper and a way of unity with the bees. Observing birds could promote the same experience for birdwatchers.
Recent research on the beekeepers and birdwatchers, then, confirms the facility of nature-centred therapies for improving mental health. So, grab your binoculars and step into nature for a twitching session and a wellbeing boost. Embrace the journey and savour every moment.
