To Reduce Your Stress, Bird-watch

Bird perched on a bird feeder.
Your cat might be on to something. Sitting and watching birds may improve your brain health and well-being.

Here’s how.

Bird Benefits
Research shows that being around birds is good for mental health — even if you are stuck indoors.

A 2022 study found that seeing or hearing birds throughout the day boosted participants’ mental well-being. And a study published in 2021 showed a link between happiness and the number of bird species in people’s towns.

Experts aren’t sure why birds have such a positive effect on us. However, it might have to do with the connection to nature.

Mental health experts witnessed this firsthand. A small 2021 study of mental health professionals found that bird-watching walks had positive effects on their mood and stress levels. This proved to the clinicians that nature can improve a person’s psychological well-being.

How to Start Bird-watching
It’s easy to take up birding. Just look out your window! Or take a stroll around your neighborhood and keep your eyes (and ears) peeled. You can also visit the National Park Service (NPS) website at nps.gov and search “birding” to learn about birds in different parks.

Mobile apps allow you to identify and log the birds you find. The Audubon Society offers a Bird Guide app that works with both Apple and Android phones.

Want more stories like this? Subscribe to our E-newsletter

Subscribe

CRH banner

CRH News

  • CRH Introduces New Text Messaging Service

    Nov 11, 2024, 22:39 by DeClue, A.
    The new platform is a Short Messaging Service (SMS) that provides more customizable, timely, and convenient communication related to a variety of care and service options such as appointment confirmation and reminders, medication follow-ups, billing schedules, and more.
    Full story
  • Bo Paul Project Makes Donation to CRH to Support Families Who Experience Infant Loss

    Nov 6, 2024, 11:51 by DeClue, A.
    The donationed equipment allows grieving families extra time to spend with the infant and the stuffed bears provide a comforting remembrance of their loved one.
    Full story
  • CRH Receives Platinum Award for Chest Pain Treatment

    Oct 24, 2024, 15:36 by DeClue, A.
    Hospitals, such as Columbus Regional, that have earned ACC Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI and Resuscitation Accreditation have proven exceptional competency in treating patients with heart attack symptoms and have primary PCI available 24/7 every day of the year.
    Full story
  • Columbus Regional Health Releases Results of Triennial Health Survey

    Oct 22, 2024, 13:24 by DeClue, A.
    The information gathered will be used to inform decisions and guide efforts by CRH and CRH’s Healthy Communities Initiative to improve community health and wellness, ensure adequate and equitable access to health services, and surface health disparities.
    Full story
  • CRH Occupational Health Services to Relocate Practice

    Oct 2, 2024, 12:55 by DeClue, A.
    Beginning Oct. 28, patients of Occupational Health Services will be seen at 3015 10th Street, Suite A in Columbus, which formerly housed Family and Internal Medicine. The phone number of 812-376-5104 remains the same. The new Occupational Health Services location offers a larger space with more parking.
    Full story
  • CRH Breast Health Center Receives National Award for Quality

    Sep 27, 2024, 12:02 by DeClue, A.
    As a recognized leader in the healthcare intelligence space, PRC received more than 200 nominations across multiple categories for the Healthcare Leadership awards. The Breast Health Center was recognized with a Quality of Care Award.
    Full story