Starting The Year Right, The Power of Birding: Birdwatching and Mental Well-Being
As we step into a new year, many of us continue to look for ways to reset, reconnect, and find balance in our busy lives. Birdwatching and mental well-being go hand in hand. Your'e getting a simple yet powerful way to slow down and be present.
Whether you're an experienced birder or simply enjoy spending time outdoors, birdwatching can help ease stress and lift your mood. Practicing mindfulness during birdwatching can also enhance your connection with nature.
If you've been following Lyfer, you know we value the way birding reduces stress. It also has the power to elevate your mood. It’s also a great way to bring more balance into your daily routine. It is so important to us we've made it part of our brand ethos.
The Evidence: Birdwatching and Mental Wel-Being
If you need evidence, look no further than several recent studies. A 2019 study by the University of Exeter, published in Science Direct, showed that birdwatching helps lower anxiety and improve mental clarity. A 2024 study by North Carolina State University, published by Science Daily, found that students who engaged in birding reported better well-being and lower psychological distress than those who didn’t participate in nature-based activities.
If that’s not enough for you, how about the recent article in TIME. It reported on a study published in October 2023 that found that seeing or hearing birds improved people's mental well-being. For up to eight hours of our day. It’s a great article, you should give it a read!
“The mental-health benefits are profound.” Birdwatching and Mental Well-Being.
Joan E. Strassmann, author ofThe Art and Science of Enjoying the Birds in Your Own Backyard
There’s also evidence to suggest that spending time in nature, (especially in the company of birds), can really reduce the effects of depression. Also, improve our cognitive function abilities.
Watching birds however requires a bit of effort and practice. Much like those of us who meditate or actively practise “being present”, it takes a bit of practice. To take our minds to another level of sight and sound, and into the world of birds. We know that you don't need convincing, but there are millions out there who could do with a bit of bird in their life.
If you’re a season Birder, and this year's focus is to get a glimpse of the Gouldian Finch, we challenge you as well, to tap into your well-being. Remember to stop. Take it all in. Take a few deep breaths, and remind yourself how brilliant nature is and how lucky we are to have discovered this lifestyle.
Photograph by Bernard Spragg. NZ
Make it a goal this year to share birding with your friends. Too often, us Birders keep our passion to ourselves, worried that others won’t be interested, but here’s the thing, everyone has a bird story. Whether it’s the kookaburra that laughed during your family picnic. Or that magpie that swooped you when you were young. Birds leave an impression on all of us.
Invite a friend to join you for a walk or simply point out a bird you notice. Share why it caught your eye or what makes it special. You might be surprised at how quickly they’ll get curious. Birding isn’t just about watching birds; it’s about building connections with nature, ourselves, and others.
