Whether you plan on relaxing in your backyard oasis or going to visit your local parks and hiking trails in search of the best birdwatching locations, birdwatching is a beloved pastime for people of all ages. What you may not know is that there are many benefits of birdwatching that make this hobby a great way to enhance your life mentally and physically.

If you need an excuse to invest in a new birdbath or add an extra bird feeder to your backyard space, here it is!

Don’t believe us? In this guide, we’re going to share 7 great benefits that you can enjoy by unplugging from the modern world and getting back into nature. What are the benefits of birdwatching? Pull out your birdwatching binoculars and your go-to bird guide, and let’s discuss perks you can enjoy!

It’s a Form of Meditation

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Recently, we have seen a sharp increase in the popularity of meditation as many people are starting to recognize the benefits of seeking the peace and clarity that it offers. With this has come a growing number of people exploring alternatives to traditional meditation, finding opportunities to incorporate it into their lives.

They all come down to one thing – the opportunity to calm and quiet your mind allowing yourself to release the worries, concerns, and thoughts that plague us through the day. As you’re curled up watching the beauty of nature at your backyard bird feeder, take some time for self-reflection.

It Teaches Patience

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We live in a world that is constantly on the fast track, and as a result, many people have become accustomed to instant gratification. The harsh truth is that we are growing up with a lack of patience which can cause unnecessary stress in our daily lives. Your neighborhood birds aren’t going to come to visit your feeder just because you demand that they do.

Instead, you will have to develop the skills needed to relax and wait for their arrival, enjoying the reward when they do. It will help you rework your mindset and develop patience for other areas of your life.

It Improves Your Mental Health

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Scientists and researchers have been focusing on the impact that spending time outdoors in nature can have on our mental health, and the results have been promising. 

Studies repeatedly find that time spent in nature can improve mental health by reducing stress, relieving mental fatigue, and managing depression and anxiety. While it won’t cure a mental illness on its own, time outdoors is a great addition to any treatment plan.

It Can Also Boost Your Physical Health

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In addition to the benefits for your mental health, studies have also found that your physical health can benefit from spending more time outdoors. Chronic stress results in the continued release of stress hormones, which can impact every area of the body. 

It can lead to serious health concerns, including heart disease, high blood pressure, weight gain, gastrointestinal complications, and problems relating to your skin and hair. Birdwatching, as mentioned above, can help you reduce your stress levels. This stress-reduction then significantly reduces your risk of these conditions.

It Offers an Opportunity to Bring the Family Together

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Many activities are focused on a specific age group, meaning that they don’t appeal to others in your home. One great benefit of birdwatching is that it’s a hobby that can be shared with all ages. It ranges from the young child excited to see a bird close up to the elderly individual who is more than happy to spend their downtime taking in natural beauty. 

Furthermore, it's an activity that can be enjoyed at all experience levels, from beginner birdwatchers to those with decades of experience. It encourages multiple generations within the family to come together and connect over a shared activity.

It Helps to Improve Your Reflexes and Mental Alertness

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Sure, birdwatching is a very relaxing and comforting activity, but it’s not one where you can completely shut your mind off if you plan on actually catching sight of your feathered friends. Your local feathered friends won't perform for you, and they don’t often stick around one spot for very long.

For this reason, your will need to be prepared to react quickly and seize the moment when a new bird arrives, whether you’re trying to capture a picture or simply using your binoculars for a better view.

It Encourages You to Get Out of Your Daily Rut

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Do you feel as though your days are starting to blur, thanks to a repetitive and predictable routine? Most people think that breaking out of this will require something elaborate or over the top but stepping away from your usual routine and trying something new can be as simple as taking up a new hobby.

Birdwatching is a great opportunity to travel to new places and meet new friends. Your love of the activity can be the inspiration to get up off the couch and enjoy your days off in a new and refreshing way.

Embrace Nature and Take Up Birdwatching Today

Regardless of your reasons for taking up this hobby, birdwatching is an activity that can be enjoyed and appreciated by everyone. It’s also an activity that can be pursued throughout all 4 seasons. If you’re considering starting, there is no better time than now!

Take a relaxing stroll through your local park to view the birds in the wild, or hang a bird feeder in the ideal location to attract neighborhood birds to your yard and start enjoying the benefits that bird watching has to offer today.