There are many studies promoting the physical benefits we can obtain from hiking and walking outdoors, but a new study has found that enjoying nature specifically is particularly beneficial for the mind, especially for those living in areas surrounded by trees and green spaces. Researchers in the United Kingdom state that doses of spending time in nature, such as watching birds and plants, can provide significant mental health benefits.
These findings were reached by a team of researchers from the University of Exeter, the British Trust for Ornithology, and the University of Queensland. Dr. Daniel Cox, the lead author of the study, says, "This study clarifies the role that some key components of nature play in our mental well-being. It suggests that the simple act of observation can reduce levels of depression, anxiety, and stress in individuals. Birds and nature, in general, appear as a promising remedy in the field of preventive healthcare, and how we can make cities healthier places to live."
The study focused on the mental health of over 270 participants, with a diverse range of ages, incomes, and ethnicities. Those surveyed were periodically asked about the levels of depression, anxiety, and stress they experienced. The researchers studied the birds present in different communities, noting the quantities of birds in both the morning and afternoon, while also paying attention to the different species observed, including common birds like crows, blackbirds, and bluebirds.
Moreover, Dr. Cox and his team discovered that it did not matter what species of birds participants were observing; rather, the number of birds visible from their windows or within their neighborhoods was what truly mattered. A more positive mental health status was linked to areas with higher concentrations of birds. Additionally, the controlled differences included household income, neighborhood type, age, and other social and demographic variations. The researchers also noted that the quantities of birds varied at different times of the day.
