Bird Watching at Home is Good for Mental Health

19th March 2017

Quick stop what you are doing, put the kettle on and grab your binoculars, take a well-deserved break from the stress of everyday life! Watching the wild birds go about their daily activities can be very entertaining and a great relaxing past time, but did you know that research has now proven that bird watching reduces stress and anxiety?! Here at Peckamix we certainly don’t need an excuse to enjoy watching the wild birds!

You don’t need to be a bird expert, just take a few minutes to watch the birds outside and you could be one step closer to improved mental health. A research study carried out by the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO), the University of Queensland, and the University of Exeter found that people who live in neighbourhoods with more wild birds and trees are less likely to experience anxiety, depression and stress.

Using surveys of the number of birds in Milton Keynes, Bedford and Luton the study researched into the effects of nature on our mental wellbeing. Robins, Blue Tits, Blackbirds and Crows were among the most common birds spotted during the study.

The mental health of hundreds of people from a range of different age groups, ethnicities and backgrounds were examined during the study, with the conclusion being that bird watching can help reduce depression, anxiety and stress therefore improving mental health.

The research did not find evidence that any specific species impacted the mental health of participants, however evidence showed that the number of birds seen had a positive effect on the well-being of those who took part in the study. Also, those who spent less time outside than they usually did were more likely to feel anxious or depressed.

We love watching the wild birds here at Peckamix and we are passionate about supplying you with great seed mixes and quality products. If you want to expand your knowledge about the species of wild birds you may see in your garden then head over to our informative bird fact file!