How birdsong can have an immediate positive impact on our mental wellbeing and these positive benefits can last for more than 4 hours.
 There are several health benefits from being outside. |  Take time to listen to the birdsong, really look at the colours of the trees-you'll feel better for it! |
Having just been out on the commons with my dog for his daily walk it’s great to hear of this new study, carried out by Kings College, London, which found that being surrounded by nature not only has an instant reaction on our mental wellbeing but the feel good benefits from seeing the sky, listening to the birds singing and being aware of the natural beauty outside can last for hours afterwards. Great news and something that is readily available to everyone; plus you get the added health benefits of exercise too!
In the study, 108 people were followed using the Urban Mind app and between them they carried out 3,013 assessments over the space of one week. Everyone involved in the trial were asked questions about their whereabouts and how they felt while carrying out the assessment.
Dr Andrea Mechelli, Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, said: “These findings suggest that short-term exposure to nature has a measurable beneficial impact on mental wellbeing.”
Researchers found that the beneficial effects of nature were especially evident in those individuals with greater levels of impulsivity who are at greater risk of mental health issues.
In the study, 108 people were followed using the Urban Mind app and between them they carried out 3,013 assessments over the space of one week. Everyone involved in the trial were asked questions about their whereabouts and how they felt while carrying out the assessment.
Dr Andrea Mechelli, Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, said: “These findings suggest that short-term exposure to nature has a measurable beneficial impact on mental wellbeing.”
Researchers found that the beneficial effects of nature were especially evident in those individuals with greater levels of impulsivity who are at greater risk of mental health issues.
Being mindful and in the moment by being aware of the natural beauty outside. Being outside anyway has health benefits such as breathing in fresh air and getting oxygen pumping through your body and if you are lucky enough to see the sun you have the added benefit of vitamin D (between May-September) for strong bones, immune system, nervous system and mood. Separate studies have also shown that being outside reduces your stress hormone cortisol, lowers your heart rate, plus short term memory and focus also improves.
In our fast paced way of life that doesn’t seem to stop when you finish work, take the chance to reconnect and immerse yourself in the natural beauty that a lot of us are fortunate to have on our doorstep, whether that is open countryside or an urban park. Be mindful and in the moment by being more aware of the different colours of the trees, actually listen to the birds singing, listen to your breath as you move or relax outside and appreciate the colour of the sky... you will feel better for it!.
Being grateful for what you have around you helps your mind see the positive things in life with a ‘sunnier’ outlook on life helping you feel more relaxed, calm and happy.
Get out there are enjoy the wonders of nature and feel fabulous!
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