STRESSED OUT? WATCH & LISTEN TO BIRDS

Stressed? Anxious? Watch and listen to birds.

Spending even a small amount of time outdoors being near birds is good for you. Just seeing them improves mental health and well-being.

“Everyday encounters with bird life are associated with long-lasting (up to 8 hours) improvements in mental well-being. Improvements in not only in healthy people but also in those with a diagnosis of depression,” says author and health expert Lori Shemek PhD.

A study found that listening to short – just 6-minute – audio clips of birdsong could also reduce feelings of anxiety, depression and paranoia in healthy participants.

“The earth has music for those who listen.” ~ George Santayana

(Pictures via @LoriShemek)