Republished with permission from WWW.ONTARIOPARKS.CA
Birdwatching is a time-honored tradition that many people enjoy today, offering the opportunity to switch off from the modern world and get back to nature.
Whether you’re simply investing in a bird feeder for your backyard or going for a walk in your local park, birding is beneficial to both your mind and body. It is renowned for being a meditative exercise where you are fully present in the moment.
Connecting with nature
Birdwatching is a great way to inspire a connection to nature. It requires you to spend time in the great outdoors where you soak up the sunshine, breathe fresh air, and commune with wildlife.
We heavily rely on nature to regulate our moods and behavior; finding outdoor activities you enjoy can be a great way to get your dose of nature while having fun! Getting outside for a walk in your local park or even birdwatching from your backyard can have a powerful impact on your brain.
Contemplation and introspection
Birding by its very nature teaches us patience and gently coaxes us to calm. Birders spend long bouts of time in the great outdoors. Being successful requires you to sit still, be quiet, and eliminate distractions.
Birdwatching is a great opportunity to reflect on your life or to just zone out and think calming thoughts. These meditative qualities can be a great way to manage and reduce stress and increase imagination and self-awareness.
Increase your mental fitness
Birdwatching requires you to exercise the mental faculties involved in observation and identification that help to keep the mind sharp!
The visual stimulus in natural settings also helps to keep your mind engaged. This makes birding a great multidimensional hobby that any age can enjoy.
Birding keeps you physically active
We often think of birdwatching as a passive activity, but it can also qualify as wonderful exercise.
Heading out for a walk to look for birds gives you focus and a reason to keep going. If you get serious about seeking new and different kinds of birds, you may find yourself hiking long distances and carrying all kinds of birding gear.
An interest in birds can be a gateway to a world of discovery! Once you get outdoors and mindfully look around, you’ll gain a greater appreciation for the world around you. Experience relaxation as you sit outside and witness the amazing beauty of birds!
