Nature has a positive impact on our mental health. Gardening, for example, greatly improves our well-being because a non-disease-causing bacterium found in the soil increases our serotonin levels. We also know that simple contact with natural green spaces has a relaxing effect and stimulates creativity. But that’s not all! Recent studies on the effect of wildlife on our mood have shown that seeing and hearing birds has a positive impact on our well-being, even for people with depression! Birdsong makes you happy – researchers have found that! Read on to learn more about the benefits of natural sound for our psyche.
Bird song makes you happy!
Birdsong has many benefits for our mental health
What does it mean when birds chirp?
Birds chirp to indicate danger, warning and communication. Both male and female birds can chirp. The songs of the birds are quite sweet and pleasant, often with a melodious tone. In most cases, male birds sing during the mating season.
Birds flee for several reasons
The benefits of birdsong for our mental health
Being in touch with nature has been linked to a variety of benefits for years, including improved alertness, reduced stress, better mood, reduced risk of mental disorders, and even increased empathy and collaboration. But why is bird song good for us?
Researchers conducted a study collecting data from more than 1,200 people. Participants shared their demographics and information about their sleep patterns and mental health status. Then, for two weeks, they answered surveys three times a day that showed what they were doing and feeling. This allowed the researchers to know whether they were in a natural environment or not.
Birdsong makes us happy, but it can do much more!
What did the research team find out?
The team found that seeing or hearing the birds was associated with more positive feelings and a greater sense of mental well-being. In fact, the researchers found that the positive effects of the wildlife encounter lasted into the next day. The researchers also looked at whether there was a difference in the impact of bird encounters on people with depression and those without mental health problems. They found no difference between the two groups, suggesting that hearing and seeing birdsong have a similar impact on our mental well-being.
Several studies have confirmed these results
What have other studies shown?
This isn’t the only study that has examined the effects of birds on humans. In 2017, researchers from the University of Exeter also found that people who live in bird-rich areas had fewer symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress.
Other research conducted at the Goethe University in Frankfurt am Main found that there is a link between happiness and the number of bird species living near houses and villages. According to these researchers, being close to 14 bird species can be just as satisfying as making $140 more a month!
According to researchers, birdsong can be as satisfying as earning $140 more a month
Why do birdsong relax us?
Birdsong is relaxing because our brains are wired that way. The sound of birdsong helps people focus by stimulating the brain without being too distracting. As a result, this gentle stimulation helps to alleviate tiredness that interferes with concentration.
Because humans are closely connected to nature, we have an innate, genetic preference for sounds that make us think of nature. These sounds give us a sense of security and peace because throughout our ancient history we have associated them with places that had plentiful resources.
Bird song has a relaxing effect and makes us happy!
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DIY ideas
Build nest boxes yourself – great activity for bird lovers
A call to protect birds due to urbanization
The global move to the cities is getting loud Neuroscience News associated with deterioration in mental health. It is also clear that birdlife has been adversely affected by urbanization in terms of habitat loss and other negative impacts such as confusing noise pollution. Researchers think people should read this as a warning to protect biodiversity, so city dwellers don’t just access bird songs through digital media. To do something good for the birds around you, you can build nest boxes yourself or hang up bird feeders. If there are bird nests in your garden, be very careful not to damage or destroy them. Damaging or destroying nests is strictly prohibited by law!
*Also read these tips on bird protection in your home garden.
A bird’s nest may not be removed without permission
So the next time you’re feeling stressed or sad, go green. Go out and enjoy the birds singing. Spending time in nature is only good for you!
