Amira Lamb
Jan 26, 20232 min
Updated: 5 days ago
Ever feel instantly happier after a walk in the park? Turns out, there's science behind that! A recent study from King's College London found that simply hearing or seeing birdsong can significantly improve your mental wellbeing – and the effects can last up to eight hours!
Researchers used the Urban Mind smartphone app to collect real-time reports of mental well-being from participants alongside reports of seeing or hearing birds. The study, spanning over three years and involving over 1,200 participants worldwide, established a clear link between bird encounters and improved mood. The benefits were even observed in individuals with depression.
Intrigued, I decided to test this out for myself! I cranked up some bird sounds on YouTube, picturing a serene escape. Surprisingly, it wasn't quite the zen moment I craved. While online bird calls might be a tranquilizer for some, for me, they landed a bit on the creepy side – a far cry from the uplifting chirp-fest I experienced outdoors. Maybe it was flashbacks to Alfred Hitchcock's The Birds messing with my childhood psyche. (Or maybe it's the authenticity factor. Perhaps the sights and scents of the outdoors play an essential role in the mood-boosting power of birds.)
So, next time you're feeling a slump, ditch the phone and get outside! A walk in the park or even just a few minutes on your balcony listening to real birdsong could be the natural mood-booster you need.
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References:
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-022-20207-6
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/10/221027093319.htm
*Disclaimer: This blog is only for informational and educational purposes and should not be considered therapy. I am not a Mental Health Provider. Please consult with a qualified Mental Health Provider if you have any questions or concerns that relate to your own life situation.