So What’s Good About Birdwatching?

If birdwatching is a new hobby to you, you may have experienced questioning spouses or friends. Why are you spending all this time with the birds? Or, maybe you want to convert someone you love into a birdwatcher. Either way, below are reasons why birdwatching is beneficial to us.

1. Good for Your Body
The obvious benefit is physical exercise (as long as you’re not birdwatching from your window). But, birdwatching is more than that. Like meditation, birdwatching can lower your heart rate, improve your blood flow, steady your breathing and reduce the stress hormones in your system. All ways to keep you feeling your best (and feeling younger).

2. Good for Your Mind
Focusing your mind on the details needed to identify birds uses parts of your brain that would otherwise be left under-exercised. Just as crossword puzzles have shown to improve brain’s functioning, so can birdwatching. The new connections made in your brain as you search, find, observe and identify birds will ultimately improve the health of your brain.

3. Good for Your Relationship
Having a common hobby or trying something new gives couples a connection, something to talk about. Birdwatching, when done together, offers a unique way to enjoy each other’s company, work together, and share in the rewards when you see that rare bird.

4. Good for Your Soul
In today’s age of non-stop information overload, taking time to be disconnected in the woods gives you the opportunity to decompress. After you birdwatch, your mind will be clear, your mood will be elevated and your outlook will be brighter!

Now get out there and birdwatch! Doctors orders!