Why Bird Songs Are Good For Our Mental Health
There is some evidence that being outdoors and surrounded by nature lifts an individual’s mood. Combining exercise with the great outdoors, may enhance one’s ability for a greater positive mental attitude. Walking in nature vs. an urban environment decreases rumination, which is linked to a risk of depression and other mental illnesses.
Nature — and birdsong — also reduce stress. Birds help us feel more connected with nature and its health effects, the more connected we are to nature, the more we can benefit.
Research has found that time spent in green outdoor spaces can lower blood pressure and cortisol levels. In a couple of studies published last year it was reported that seeing or hearing birds could be good for our mental well-being. They provide us with a way to connect to nature.
Author of one of the studies, Emil Stobbe said, “ …Even if people live in very urban environments and do not have a lot of contact with nature, they link the songs of birds to vital and intact natural environments.”
And in a recent study, it has been revealed that even listening to recordings of bird songs, can alleviate negative emotions. The research found that listening to short audio clips of birdsong could reduce feelings of anxiety, depression and paranoia. Researchers asked 295 online participants to self-assess their emotional states, then take a cognitive memory test. The participants were then assigned to listen to birdsongs or traffic noise. Afterwards, scientists remeasured the subjects’ emotional and cognitive states.
The participants who listened to birdsongs, reported a decrease in feelings of anxiety and paranoia. And by contrast, those that listened to diverse traffic noise revealed worsening symptoms of depressive states.
The research showed the “healing aspects of nature, or also the not-so-positive effects of urban surroundings,” added Stobbe.
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